Flags go up ahead of challenging lifesaving season

Volunteer lifesavers are setting up for a potentially challenging lifesaving season, with experts warning it could be one of the toughest summers on record. Forecasted hot weekend conditions in New South Wales (NSW) are anticipated to attract large crowds once the iconic red and yellow flags are raised. The patrol season extends until late April, and volunteers have been equipped with advanced tools, including jet skis, drones, and emergency response beacons, to aid in responding to individuals in distress.

The NSW state government has allocated $50 million towards drone-based surveillance as part of a broader $120 million shark management program. Over 70 drones will be deployed, monitoring more than 90 beaches, with extended surveillance hours during the NSW spring school holidays. Two new Tagged Shark Listening Stations have been installed in Sydney Harbour, providing real-time alerts via the SharkSmart app when a tagged shark is detected nearby.

This initiative followed two tragic shark attacks: Teacher Leah Stewart, 34, lost her arm after being critically injured while swimming at Coogee Beach in June, and 12-year-old Nico Antic tragically lost his life near Vaucluse in January. Surfer Mercury Psillakis, 57, also perished after being bitten by a shark at Long Reef beach in September 2025.

Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib emphasizes the ongoing plea for swimmers to remain between the flags, adhere to instructions, and verify conditions before entering the water. The resurfacing of the red and yellow flags signifies the commencement of summer and a reminder of the incredible efforts of Surf Life Saving volunteers.

Minister Dib stated that the volunteers contribute their time to safeguard others, respond to emergencies, and ensure safe return journeys home for families. Surf Life Saving NSW chief executive Steve Pearce anticipates a particularly demanding patrol season due to hot and dry conditions, which will likely bring large crowds to the beaches, heightening the need for volunteer patrols and rescue services.

He also acknowledges the heightened potential for increased shark activity during warmer months, underscoring the importance of vigilance at our beaches.