To time, stay safe while enjoying our beautiful beaches, always swim between the flags, be aware of local hazards like the Fingal Spit, and know where our patrolled beaches are located.

To ensure a safe and enjoyable summer at our local beaches, Port Stephens Council and local lifesavers are urging residents and visitors to always swim between the red and yellow flags. Patrolled areas are the safest places to swim because they are monitored by professional lifeguards and volunteer lifeguards trained to respond to emergencies. During the peak season, patrols are active at Birubi Beach, Fingal Beach, and One Mile Beach.

Before heading out, swimmers are encouraged to use the Beachsafe App to check current patrol times and local beach conditions. It is important to never swim alone and to avoid entering the water once patrol hours have ended. For those visiting Fingal Spit, always speak to a lifeguard about tides and weather conditions, as strong currents can present significant hazards.

Safety is a shared responsibility, and active supervision of children around the water is always essential. Please follow the directions of lifeguards and obey all posted safety signs. If conditions appear too rough or a beach is unpatrolled, the simplest advice is to stay out of the water and stay safe.

To ensure a safe visit to our coast, visitors can check the Beachsafe website for patrolled zones, or connect with local volunteer teams at Fingal Beach SLSC, Birubi Point SLSC, and One Mile Surf Club.

Those heading onto the water should log on with Marine Rescue Port Stephens, while non-urgent matters can be directed to the NSW Police Force or Port Stephens Council for after-hours support.

For immediate assistance with life-threatening emergencies, always contact Triple Zero (000).