Major change to popular Sydney swim spot
A popular Sydney swimming spot will now be patrolled all year round after hundreds of people were rescued from the waters by lifeguards.
Randwick City Council has revealed professional lifeguards will now patrol Clovelly Beach, in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, every day all year round between sunrise and sunset, in response to the high number of incidents over spring and summer.
Beaches in Coogee and Maroubra will also be patrolled.
Since July last year, a massive 4.7m visits to Randwick’s beaches were reported - with 3.76m during the spring and summer seasons.
Lifeguards performed 648 rescues over these seasons, administering first aid to 5100 people and responding to 102 major incidents which included drownings, near drownings and resuscitations.
Randwick Mayor Philipa Veitch said the decision to patrol Clovelly Beach year-round was made following a 2023 review which found an increasing number of swimmers were using the beach during the off-season.
“Residents and visitors alike love to visit beaches in the Randwick Council area to enjoy the pristine coastal environment in this beautiful corner of the world,” Ms Veitch said.
“While its incredible to have an ocean playground on our doorstep, enjoying the water comes with risk, whatever the time of year.”
The expanded patrols at Clovelly Beach come after lifeguards started to patrol Malabar Beach for the first time in 20 years, along with Little Bay Beach for the first time ever last summer in response to a number of drownings and public demand.
During these patrols, there were about 350,000 visits.
Lifeguards performed four rescues and administered first aid to 959 people.
Ms Veitch said that the data showed that extending patrols to Malabar and Little Bay provided critical public safety support and said she believed that the same was true for patrolling Clovelly Beach throughout autumn and winter.
“Already lifeguards estimate that there have been 330,000 visits to Clovelly Beach since the summer season ended. They have performed nine rescues and administered first aid to 476 people visiting Clovelly in this time,” Ms Veitch said.
“If you’re visiting the beach in the Randwick Council area during what will hopefully be a beautiful Sydney winter, please ensure you swim at a patrolled beach and follow the instructions of the Lifeguards.”
The council urges visitors to remain safe at the beach by adhering to the following rules:
Always stay between the red and yellow flags and never swim outside them.
Do not swim directly after a meal or if under the influence of alcohol.
Only swim when the red and yellow flags are raised. If there are no flags, the beach is closed or unpatrolled – do not swim.
Do not panic if caught in a current or rip. Raise one arm into the air to signal for lifeguard assistance. Float on your back until help arrives.
Do not swim if you are unsure of surf conditions. Always seek the advice of a lifeguard or lifesaver.
