Volunteer lifesavers have brought the iconic red and yellow back to the beach on Saturday 27 September as the 2025/26 patrolling season began across NSW.
From 27 September 2025 to 26 April 2026, beachgoers can expect to see Surf Life Saving volunteers patrolling on weekends and public holidays, as well as professional lifeguards, helping to keep people safe during the warmer months.
Over the last 12 months, Surf Life Saving NSW has seen membership rise by 5 percent to a record 83,000. Patrolling membership has increased by 2.6% to more than 21,000, while Nipper numbers grew by 4.5% to almost 30,000.
It is an exciting time of year but also an important reminder for members of the community to think about how they can keep themselves and their families safe on the sand and in the water.
SLS NSW is reminding everyone to stay surf safe when heading to the coast and to Stop. Look. Stay Alive.
STOP before entering the water.
LOOK for patrolling lifesavers, lifeguards, the red and yellow flags, rip currents, and safety signs.
STAY ALIVE by not swimming if the surf looks unsafe or beyond your ability.
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 on Friday morning, September 26, to recognise the important role volunteers play in public safety along the state’s coastline.
NSW has experienced unseasonable warmth over the week leading up to the Patrol Season start, 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.
The loss of this gentleman 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 in the lead up to the season.
See: New rescue jet skis for Newport, Warriewood, Palm Beach, Bilgola - 2025-2026 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.
See December 2024 Report: New Emergency Response Beacons Now Active at North Palm Beach, Turimetta, Narrabeen + South Curl Curl, Fishermans, Shelly Beaches
“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.”
The NSW Government has been driving action to improve water safety and save lives, including key actions identified through the Minister’s coastal water safety roundtable in March 2024. Key initiatives delivered include:
- A record $72 million investment for Surf Life Saving NSW over the four years from 2023-24 to 2026-27.
- Funding has already provided 56 new jet skis from this record investment, with another 11 to be delivered.
- The installation of new Emergency Response Beacons (ERBs) fitted with flotation devices and enhanced technology like high-definition video live-streaming to support rapid response to emergencies and provide another set of eyes on the beach. Already, 58 out of 64 ERBs have been installed and are operating across our coastline.
- Further initiatives to ensure rapid response to emergencies all year-round, alongside the ERBs, include UAV (drone) technology and AI camera technology trials.
- $5.4 million for NSW Surf Life Saving Clubs for the upgrade, restoration or construction of surf lifesaving facilities following the announcement of recipients in the 2024/25 Surf Club Facility Program.
- The launch of a new online Beach Safety Hub to bring together essential information including tips and guidance to help communities stay informed and safe around the state’s waterways. Water safety resources are available in 24 languages on the Hub at www.beachsafetyhub.org.au
To learn more about how to keep yourself and your family safe please visit www.nsw.gov.au/visiting-and-exploring-nsw/visiting-nsw-waterways.
NSW Premier Chris Minns said:
“Every summer, the red and yellow flags become a symbol of safety and community across our state. The dedication of thousands of Surf Life Saving volunteers, alongside our professional lifeguards, gives families the confidence to enjoy our world-class beaches.
We’ve seen too many tragedies in unpatrolled or isolated locations. With a hot summer ahead, I urge everyone to swim between the flags, listen to the advice of lifesavers, and put safety first. These small steps make all the difference.”
Acting Minister for Emergency Services, Anoulack Chanthivong said:
“I extend my thanks to every surf life saver and volunteer who is part of this annual effort – you are the backbone of beach safety in our great state.
“The NSW Government is proud to be delivering to ensure our surf life savers have the equipment they need to keep our beaches safer than ever before for everyone to enjoy.
“Ahead of a hot summer where we expect millions to enjoy themselves on the sand and in the water, there has never been a more important time to remind people to be aware and take water safety seriously.”
Surf Life Saving NSW President Peter Agnew AM said:
“We are extremely fortunate to have a volunteer base of 83,000 plus lifesavers who are so excited to be back on the beach and ready for a big season ahead.
“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.”
2025 Raising of the Flags Ceremony. Photos; SLS NSW
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.
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.
NSW Premier Chris Minns speaks to SLSNSW Volunteers at the Raising of the Flags Ceremony. Photo: SLSNSW
