Across NSW was a sea of colour 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 Wednesday March 4.
Surf Life Saving Australia CEO, Adam Weir said: “Red & Yellow Day is an opportunity for all of us to show our support for the thousands of volunteer surf lifesavers who give their time to keep our beaches safe.
“The best way you can get involved is by wearing red and yellow on March 4, and by always swimming between the red and yellow flags.”
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.
Elanora Heights Public School welcomed the opportunity for students to don the iconic red and yellow uniform or another version of red and yellow to support their local surf lifesaving clubs.
''The highlight of day was the opportunity for students to see the Westpac Surf Safety helicopter up close, and watch the landing and take off.'' the school said
“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 Branch area and help spread the message of support. They will be active until 6 May.
Far North Coast
- Cudgen Headland SLSC
- Cabarita Beach SLSC
- Yamba SLSC
North Coast
- Woolgoolga SLSC
- Sawtell SLSC
- Urunga SLSC
Mid North Coast
- Camden Haven SLSC
- Lower North Coast
- Forster SLSC
- Cape Hawke SLSC
- Pacific Palms SLSC
Hunter
- Nobbys SLSC
- Cooks Hill SLSC
Central Coast
- The Lakes SLSC
- Toowoon Bay SLSC
- Wamberal SLSC
- Umina Beach SLSC
Sydney Northern Beaches
Sydney
- Coogee SLSC
- South Maroubra SLSC
- Wanda SLSC
Illawarra
- Helensburgh Stanwell Park SLSC
- Bellambi SLSC
- North Wollongong SLSC
South Coast
- Shellharbour SLSC
- Gerringong SLSC
Far South Coast
- Batemans Bay SLSC
- Broulee Surfers SLSC
For more information visit the Red & Yellow Day website.
