Seven months after the flags first rose, volunteer surf lifesavers have lowered them at the end of Monday April 27 2026 for the last time this Volunteer Patrol Season. The Season was extended by a day due to the public holiday proclaimed by the NSW Government for Anzac Day, which fell on a Saturday in 2026. The Season will be extended an extra day in 2027 for the same reason.
Over the September 27 to April 27 period, on 129 beaches, NSW’s 85,000+ members had one goal – to save lives on our beaches.
SLS NSW said: ‘We’re so proud of each and every one of our members for the role they play in keeping our coastal communities safe.’’
That’s a wrap on Season 25/26!
It doesn’t stop here though, there’s plenty of training and upskilling opportunities over the cooler months!
See you all again in September.’’
The day after, on Tuesday April 28 Surf Life Saving NSW announced all NSW Surf Clubs are to be fitted with Publicly Accessible Shark Bite Trauma Kits
It comes as part of Surf Life Saving NSW’s continued focus on increased community safety, with the announcement made at Dee Why surf club - the site of a fatal shark incident in 2025 which saw our community lose much loved local surfer Mercury Psillakis.
His wife, Maria, along with his club, Long Reef Boardriders, Surfing NSW and local MP's Jacqui Scruby and Michael Regan, called for and secured a $2.5 million boost to strengthen the state’s shark mitigation program by December 2025. This meant more shark surveillance drones were to be procured for surf boardrider clubs through their peak body Surfing NSW as soon as possible, and SLS NSW was enabled to roll out further drone surveillance of local beaches across the Season.
NSW has experienced a tragic spike of fatal shark attacks in the past seven months, with the continued need for preventative actions along our coastline with many beaches being closed each day due to shark sightings.
See end of March 2026 report: NSW Parliamentary Shark Inquiry Mooted
The trauma kits will be affixed to the external wall of each NSW surf club where, in the event of a reported shark incident, and in the absence of a lifesaver or lifeguard on duty, members of the public will be able to apply emergency first aid until first responders arrive on scene.
In all, 129 new publicly accessible Shark Bite Trauma Kits will be installed at each of the state’s surf clubs as part of Surf Life Saving NSW’s continued focus on increased community safety.
“Volunteer surf lifesavers are in most instances the first emergency service responding to shark bite incidents and so we are always looking to introduce improvements in equipment and responses to support our protection of those community members visiting the coastline,” SLSNSW CEO, Steve Pearce said.
“We believe that by ensuring our surf clubs are equipped with these publicly accessible Shark Bite Trauma Kits, we are addressing a major need and providing a safeguard against the possibility of a serious incident unfolding.”
The Shark Bite Trauma Kits will complement the expansive UAV shark surveillance program delivered by Surf Life Saving NSW across the breadth of the NSW coastline.
On Sunday January 25 the NSW Government announced new research, real-time tracking and expanded drone surveillance, will lead a $4.2 million boost to help keep people safer in the water over Summer.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development’s NSW Shark Management Program currently sees 80 beaches patrolled by UAV every day.
This summer season, SLSNSW drones undertook more than 65,000 flights and observed over 1,500 sharks.
“SLSNSW is at the forefront of shark management strategies nationally,” Steve continued.
“Surf clubs are both highly visible community hubs and places of protection and community support and having easily accessible Shark Bite Trauma Kits at these locations is an effective way to instil a stronger level of confidence and resilience in our coastal communities."
Mayor Sue Heins, Dee Why SLSC's President Lachlan Pike, SLSNSW CEO, Steve Pearce, SLS SNB CEO Tracey Hare-Boyd ESM. Photo: SLS NSW, supplied
SLS SNB Branch Chief Executive Officer Tracey Hare-Boyd ESM and Mayor Sue Heins attended the announcement at Dee Why, Mayor Heins stating in her May 1 2026 Mayor's Message:
''This week I was pleased to join Surf Life Saving NSW at Dee Why to announce the rollout of Shark Bite Trauma Kits to every surf club across NSW.
Publicly accessible, these kits will complement existing shark mitigation measures, including drone and jet ski surveillance, drum lines and the great work of lifesavers and lifeguards.
After very serious incidents and increased shark activity over summer, it's important we have every life-saving tool available and I congratulate SLSNSW for this initiative. And I thank the individuals, service clubs and some of the surfing fraternity that have also donated shark bite kits along the beaches as well. Together we all work towards one outcome, to keep our beaches safe.''
Member for Manly, James Griffin MP, welcomed the rollout of publicly accessible Shark Bite Trauma Kits to Surf Life Saving Clubs across the Manly Electorate and the NBC LGA, aimed at strengthening emergency response capability following recent shark incidents.
“Recent shark incidents have been deeply distressing for our community, and our thoughts remain with those affected and with the families who have experienced unimaginable trauma,” Mr Griffin said.
“These new trauma kits are a practical and potentially life-saving addition to our beaches, ensuring that in the critical moments after an incident, anyone nearby can access the equipment needed to provide immediate first aid.”
The kits are designed to be used in the event of a shark attack, enabling members of the public to deliver rapid emergency care until first responders arrive.
The initiative complements the extensive shark drone surveillance program already operated by Surf Life Saving NSW, further enhancing safety measures for swimmers and surfers.
“While we can never eliminate risk entirely, initiatives like this are about doing everything we can to improve safety and preparedness on our beaches,” Mr Griffin said.
“Equipping every surf club with accessible trauma kits means we are better prepared to respond quickly and effectively in an emergency.”
The equipment is being delivered to all Surf Life Saving Clubs this month in preparation for the Autumn and Winter seasons.
“I commend Surf Life Saving NSW for continuing to invest in innovative safety measures that protect beachgoers and support our local communities,” Mr Griffin said.
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Photos taken at North Bilgola lookout - which has a view towards Avalon Beach headland as well, April 11, 2026. Photo: A J Guesdon/PON
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Flags Down: Saving People-Saving Wildlife, all season long
A few end of Season - last weekend, and weekend before training, messages and insights by local surf clubs and opening with SLS SNB CEO Tracey Hare-Boyd ESM
By Tracey Hare-Boyd ESM in May 1 2026 SLS SNB newsletter:
''Once again, to everyone for another season gone, whether you patrolled the beach, completed copious hours of support operations or training, assessing and facilitating courses and awards, did water safety, manned the uniform shop, completed nipper training and age managing, did a shift for the Club BBQ or bar, cleaned and swept out the first aid and patrol room, hosed down the SSV and IRB or, as a family member gave your loved ones the opportunity to spend time volunteering in whatever role, Thank You. I always like to mention that there is no one with a bigger heart than that of a volunteer. You give up your time so effortlessly and that is always worthy of a mention. Thank You.''
Warriewood SLSC:
On April 19 Warriewood hosted an IRB Assessment which included candidates from Bilgola, North Steyne and Avalon Beach. Congratulations to all new IRB Crew members.
Photo: Warriewood SLSC
Incredibly privileged to be at the ANZAC Sunset Service at the Sydney Opera House representing Warriewood SLSC. It was a deeply moving occasion — a moment to pause, reflect, and honour those who have served and sacrificed. The “oars up” during the ceremony was especially powerful. A special experience for our club and a reminder of the strength of community, service, and remembrance.
Photo: Warriewood SLSC
Mona Vale SLSC:
Last weekend of the season Patrol 2 getting it done - and even seeing a pod of dolphins having some fun.
Photo: MVSLSC
Bungan Beach SLSC:
That is flags down on another fabulous season at Bungan. Thank you to all those who patrolled this season and see you all next year.
Photo: Bungan Beach SLSC
Newport SLSC:
Thank you to those who volunteered on patrols over this Season. We all have different motivations to patrol. For some it’s about being able to compete in surf sports, for many it’s being part of a vital community hub, building new friendships; or learning new skills. All of which are valid reasons, but at the end of the day, we are providing a service to our community and to visitors to our beach that is not only needed but really appreciated.
Thank you to everyone who has volunteered in the club over the Season or simply contributed in whatever capacity they can, whether that is as a patrolling members, a trainer, a Nipper, parents, board members, competitors, food or drink volunteers and all those working behind the scenes to keep our club running and our beaches safe and fun throughout the Season, and our Emergency Call Out Team members who are ready to respond all year round, whether here or far from here. - Rebecca Capell, President
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Photo: Newport drone operator on duty. Pic: A J Guesdon/PON
Bilgola SLSC:
A Thank You to our Patrolling Members
As we close out the patrol season, we’d like to extend a sincere thank you to all our patrolling members — and to the broader club community — for the time, effort and commitment shown over Summer.
Whether you were clocking early starts, backing up patrols, training, mentoring newer members or quietly filling gaps when needed, you have all played a part in keeping Bilgola Beach safe for the public across the season. Your contribution matters, and it does not go unnoticed.
Our numbers have again increased to over 380 Nippers and SRCs this Season. This is a direct reflection of the culture of our club, the work of the junior committee, our age managers, and water safety team. Well done all and THANK YOU!
Thank you again for everything you’ve contributed.
Photos: Romilly Madew AO/Bilgola SLSC
Avalon Beach SLSC:
We wrap up the patrol season for 2025/26 on Monday with the extra public holiday given ANZAC day fell on a weekend. Our amazing Patrol Captains and members of the board of management will be on patrol at Avalon Beach for this final patrol, and I encourage people to pop down for a swim as the weather promises to be lovely and the sea is still warm.
Thanks to all our patrolling members, trainers, Nippers, parents, board members, competitors, volunteers and staff that keep our club running and our beaches safe and fun throughout the season and our Emergency Call Out Team that continue to operate all year round. Also for the leadership and support from SLS Sydney Northern Beaches, SLS NSW and SLS Australia and our local members at all levels of government for their continued support for SLS and our club. - Giles Stoddard - Director of Lifesaving ABSLSC
Photo: ABSLSC
Whale Beach SLSC:
Whale Beach Surf Life Saving Club is home to a small but dedicated team of surf life savers who patrol every weekend and public during the Patrol Season.
Our tight-knit community is united through a common love and respect for the ocean. We pride ourselves on excellence in surf safety and education. The diversity of our community is its strength, with our lifesavers, associate members, and wider community working together to keep the beach safe for all.
Everybody is welcome at Whale Beach, a place where you can connect, train hard, and belong.
Running a surf club takes a village so whether you want to flip burgers on the deck, organise the next club social event, help the public as a first aider, or navigate the surf like a pro on a board, ski or in the IRB, there is a place for you at Whale Beach Surf Life Saving Club! Come and see us and find out how you can become a part of the biggest volunteer movement in Australia.
WBSLSC March 2026 Member of the Month
North Palm Beach SLSC:
Saving Turtles - Saving People
Sunday March 1 2026:
We don’t just rescue people at @northpalmbeachslsc. Meet Legend (‘little ledge’) the endangered sea turtle who was found washed up, alone and on his back on the sand today by two kind beachgoers (and luckily not a bird of prey).
A little smaller than your hand, this young one was likely injured or became exhausted - which is why it’s often best not to put them back in the water but to call the experts @wireswildliferescue for advice.
While we waited for WIRES to arrive at the surf club he managed to show a little bit of curiosity - looking around at his famous Summer Bay surroundings - which we all took as a good sign! He was on his way to @tarongazoo hospital this afternoon to be checked. We wish our little mate a speedy recovery. - Lauren Langley, North Palm Beach SLSC.
And to close - one final message from North Palmy, under Barrenjoey headland: