Summer holidays always lead more people to jump into the ocean, but lifeguards at the Bega Valley’s beaches are reminding the community to be aware of the conditions of the water.
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Speaking on Wednesday, January 2, Tathra Surf Life Saving Club’s vice-president Scott Meaker said there had not been any drastic incidents at Tathra Beach so far this season.
But he said there had been a “few minor rescues” where swimmers had been caught in rips after swimming outside the flags.
“Don’t just walk in from the caravan park or wherever you are staying and go into the water,” Mr Meaker said.
“Make the effort to walk down the beach and swim between the flags.”
Secretary for Bermagui Surf Life Saving Club Cheryl McCarthy said there had been no major incidents or call outs at Horseshoe Bay in Bermagui this season.
“Visitor numbers appear to be up on the beach, there’s just a lot more people around town this year,” she said.
“But people have been pretty sensible around the water.”
She said there had been a couple of rips on Tuesday, so also reminded beach-goers to be mindful about swimming between the flags.
“Go and talk to the lifeguards and ask what the conditions are,” Ms McCarthy said.
“Swim with a buddy and don’t go swimming if you’ve drunk alcohol.”
On Wednesday the water temperature off Tathra Beach and Horseshoe Bay was sitting around 19 degrees Celsius.
Lifeguards will be at Horseshoe Bay every day to January 28, with the Australian Lifeguard Service patrolling during the week and Bermagui SLSC members stepping in on weekends and public holidays.
At Tathra Beach, lifeguards will remain until February 22, with ALS on patrol during the week and Tathra SLSC members on weekends and public holidays.
Albert McKnight
Journalist at Bega District News.
Journalist at Bega District News.
