On Friday August 29 the NSW Government announced a fleet of 26 new rescue jet skis will be patrolling beaches across the state this summer, following a record investment in Surf Life Saving NSW.
With the warmer months approaching, which will see increased swimmers across NSW beaches, the Government states it is delivering on its commitment to boost community safety and surveillance along the coast.
This jet ski boost brings the state’s fleet up to 56, ensuring rapid responses to emergencies across New South Wales beaches all year round.
They will be delivered ahead of the volunteer patrol season commencing on 27 September, with communities set to benefit including:
- Illawarra and South Coast: Bulli, Stanwell Park, Kiama/Kiama Downs, Gerringong, Broulee, Batemans Bay, Pambula
- Mid and North Coast: Lennox Head, Kingscliff, Kempsey, Crescent Head, Urunga, Crowdy Head, Fingal Rovers, Sawtell
- Newcastle and Central Coast: Newcastle Harbour, Umina, Mereweather, Toowoon Bay
- Sydney: Newport, Cronulla, Warriewood, Palm Beach, Bilgola, Malabar
Last year jet skis were used in 260 rescues performed by volunteer lifesavers, saving critical time during emergency incidents.
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Supporting the jet skis, new Emergency Response Beacons (ERBs) backed up by drones, are keeping an eye across our states beaches. The beacons are installed on beaches and allow for emergency services to be called during emergencies.
By December 2024 the Government had installed new Emergency Response Beacons at North Palm Beach, Turimetta, Narrabeen, South Curl Curl, Fishermans and Shelly Beaches.
The first of these on the peninsula was installed at Shelly Beach, Manly in 2021.
ERBs directly connect callers to Surf Life Saving NSW’s State Operations Centre at Belrose, enabling the rapid deployment of lifesaving and emergency services to a potential rescue site. This can drastically reduce response times, particularly in unpatrolled or isolated areas.
The ERB uses the latest mobile technology to communicate between the SOC and the person on the beach and the SOC operator can quickly gather important information, issue instructions or provide reassurance in an emergency situation.
A camera fitted to the ERB can be remotely monitored by the SOC to provide operators with situational awareness of the incident. Surf Life Saving can then respond using a wide range of Support Operations assets, including jetskis, inflatable rescue boats, volunteer callout teams from surf clubs, lifeguards, or helicopter or drone services.
The upgrade in technology provided by the NSW Government’s funding means the new units are solar-powered, can be permanently fixed in position and are easy to install in remote or difficult to access locations. Flashing lights on top of the beacon act as a visual indicator to lifesavers or members of the public that the unit has been activated.
The expansion of emergency response infrastructure comes after the Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib convened a roundtable on coastal safety in early 2024, in response to an increase in coastal drownings over recent years.
The National Drowning Report 2025, published by Royal Life Saving Australia and Surf Life Saving Australia, identified 357 drowning deaths in the past year, which was 27% higher than the 10-year average.
When the current rollout is complete, there will be 64 ERBs in operation following recent installations on the South Coast at Racecourse Beach, Tabourie Creek and The Farm at Killalea State Park. Further units are planned for installation in the Illawarra, Sydney, the Far South Coast and the North Coast.
The Government stated it is working to build a better New South Wales and is making meaningful investments to boost the capacity of Surf Life Saving NSW, and the safety of our beaches.
Minister for Emergency Services the Hon. Jihad Dib said:
“Our investment in jet skis and Emergency Response Beacons means lifesaving services are within reach all year round, including during the cooler Winter months when regular patrols wind down.”
“Eagle-eyed beachgoers on the South Coast may notice new beacons at Racecourse Beach, Tabourie Creek and The Farm at Killalea State Park, which brings the number to 58 beacons now delivered across NSW, with more due to be installed soon.”
“With 260 rescues last year, jet skis have proven to be another critical part of our coastal safety network. Fast, agile and highly effective in surf conditions, they allow lifesavers to get people out of trouble quickly.”
“Our record investment in technology and equipment is a welcome boost for our volunteers who will soon hit the beaches and I would encourage anyone who wants to be involved in surf life saving to contact their surf club.”
Surf Life Saving NSW CEO Steve Pearce said:
”Our volunteers have continued to respond to emergency callouts throughout Winter, highlighting the commitment of our members to protecting lives along the coast, whenever and wherever we’re needed.”
“The support of the NSW Government to provide funding for rescue equipment is vital to ensure the safety of both the public and our volunteers.”
For beach information, including safety tips, patrolled beaches and the location of ERBs, visit: www.surflifesaving.com.au or download the Beachsafe app