More than 21,000 volunteer lifesavers will bring the iconic red and yellow back to the beach on Saturday 27 September as the 2025/26 patrolling season begins across NSW.
NSW Premier, Chris Minns joined surf lifesavers and Nippers for the symbolic raising of the red and yellow flags at Dixon Park Beach in Newcastle this morning and recognised the important role volunteers play in public safety along the state’s coastline.
The return of patrolling lifesavers comes at an important time – NSW has experienced unseasonable warmth over the week leading up to the season, and sadly, on Wednesday 24 September, a man drowned on the Central Coast and three more were rescued after their boat overturned at Killcare, south of Terrigal.
It brings the NSW coastal drowning toll since 1 July 2025 to seven (7). From 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025, 52 people drowned along the NSW coastline. All these drownings occurred outside the red and yellow flags, at unpatrolled locations.
In an effort to curb incidents like the two on the Central Coast, the NSW Government has once again invested in Surf Life Saving assets with a suite of new rescue-ready jet skis rolled out to clubs and branches across the state this month in the lead up to the season.
Since 2023, 56 jet skis have been rolled out as a result of state government funding, while Emergency Response Beacons (ERBs) continue to be installed at high risk locations, away from lifesaving assets.
“People come from around the country and all over the world to visit NSW beaches, and we want every beachgoer to enjoy their time and get home to their family safely,” Premier Minns said
“Our record investment is supporting the incredible work of our surf life savers and volunteers and delivering cutting-edge technology that is the envy of the world.
“Surf life savers and volunteers are everyday heroes and we’re proud to be supporting them as they continue to this essential mission.”
Surf Life Saving NSW proudly enters the new season on the back of several significant milestones – last year, total membership grew by 5%, reaching its highest-ever figure of 83,118.
Patrolling membership rose by 2.6% to 21,668, and Nipper numbers increased by 4.5%, totalling 29,640 members. It’s anticipated that in 2025/26, Nipper registrations will break the 30,000-mark.
While the movement continues to grow and the need for lifesavers along our coastline grows with it, many surf clubs are experiencing problems attracting enough volunteers to meet the increasing demand, particularly in regional areas.
Surf Life Saving NSW President, Peter Agnew AM thanked the NSW Government for its continued support of the movement and urged beachgoers to be cautious, to observe water safety advice from lifesavers or lifeguards, and to take responsibility for themselves and their families when heading to the coastline this summer.
“We are extremely fortunate to have a volunteer base of 83,000 plus lifesavers – a record number – who are so excited to be back on the beach and ready for a big season ahead,” he said.
“Surf Life Saving is about family, community, and connection. There’s a role for everyone and we’re always looking for new members, whether you can contribute to admin, first aid, teaching our Nippers or even cooking the club BBQ.
“You’ll learn new skills like piloting a drone and driving an inflatable rescue boat, you’ll gain valuable fitness and make friends for life.”
Additionally, lifeguards with the Australian Lifeguard Service (ALS) will commence patrols across many of its locations this weekend, working alongside surf clubs and their volunteers to keep beachgoers safe.
ALS lifeguards will be back on beaches from Port Stephens to the Tweed Shire following on from a busy winter patrol period, with more beaches to commence patrols towards the summer holidays.
Beachgoers are reminded to always follow the advice of lifeguards and lifesavers, know their limits in the water, and most importantly — always swim between the red and yellow flags.
These simple actions can prevent tragedy and ensure everyone enjoys a safe and memorable trip to the coastline.
For more information on beach safety or to find your nearest patrolled beach, visit Beachsafe or the ALS website.
The volunteer Surf Patrol season runs until 26 April 2026.
Friday 26 September 2025