THE flags came down on the 2024/2025 surf patrol season on Sunday, although lifeguards will remain on duty at Town Beach in Port Macquarie during the cooler months.
It will be the only patrolled beach in the area during Winter, so beachgoers are encouraged to head there to swim between the red and yellow flags.
Surf Life Saving Mid North Coast describes the season as one marked by both “sky-high” achievements and “some of the most traumatic experiences for some of our members.”
The region was not immune to the nationwide increase in drownings.
Even before the end of the season, Royal Life Saving Australia reported that there had been 104 deaths over Summer, an increase of 15 percent on previous years.
Surf Life Saving NSW has thanked its 82,000 members for all they have given to their clubs and communities.
“[This includes] 21,000 active patrolling members who ensured that there were no lives lost between the red and yellow flags,” a spokesperson said.
“That’s our mission.”
Lifesavers across 129 patrolled locations recorded more than 3400 rescues, 24,000 first aids and more than one million preventative actions.
The Mid North Coast branch describes the red and yellow as something “truly special to be a part of”.
“It is an extended family, an emergency service, a sporting club, educational institution, hub of the community and just the best volunteer movement in the world.
“Even though you may not see our members on the beach each weekend, they are still working hard behind the scenes in what is still a not-so-quiet ‘off-season’, with club working bees, club presentations, AGMs, educational courses, maintenance and being rescue ready in case of an emergency call out.”
By Sue STEPHENSON
