Red & Yellow Day Lights Up for Volunteer Lifesavers

The City of Sydney and across NSW was a sea of colour yesterday as the inaugural Red & Yellow Day – a national day that provides an opportunity to recognise the vital work of volunteer lifesavers along our coastline – was celebrated on 4 March.

Key landmarks across Sydney were lit up overnight, with the new Sydney Fish Market, the International Convention Centre, Town Hall in the heart of the CBD, and Tumbalong Park going red and yellow for the evening in support of the hundreds of thousands of volunteers who give their time to keep their communities safe.

It came after a huge day of celebration which saw the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter make a pair of landings in Maroubra and Elanora Heights to visit public schools, the crosswalk in Bondi – one of the nation’s most iconic beaches – turning red and yellow, and some huge support out of the state’s politicians who donned the colours as well.

“Seeing these iconic Sydney landmarks lit up in red and yellow was incredibly moving, and we are deeply grateful to the City of Sydney and the NSW Government for helping shine a light on the spirit of service that sits at the heart of our coastal communities,” SLSNSW President, Elissa Hancock said.

“The glowing landmarks drew dozens of passers-by who stopped to take photos and pause for a moment to recognise the volunteers who dedicate themselves to keeping our beaches safe.”

While Red & Yellow Day is over for 2026, lifesavers continue to patrol beaches along the NSW coastline until the end of the April Anzac Day long weekend. 

Elissa said that volunteerism can be celebrated every day of the year.

“Yesterday was a special moment to celebrate and recognise the thousands of volunteers who quietly and generously give their time each summer to keep our beaches safe and support their local communities,” she said.

“This summer in particular has been one of the most challenging and traumatic our lifesavers have faced, responding to a mass shooting, multiple shark attacks, several drownings and carrying out thousands of rescues.

“We sincerely thank everyone for supporting this important recognition of the time, effort and commitment our volunteers give in protecting communities and visitors along the NSW coastline.”

Meanwhile, there are 31 NSW clubs with Red & Yellow Day fundraising pages – find the clubs in your local area and help spread the message of support. They will be active until 6 May.

Far North Coast

North Coast

Mid North Coast

Lower North Coast 

Forster SLSC