Kiama Council’s dedicated lifeguard team reinforced its reputation for commitment and performance during the 2025–2026 season.
From 29 September through to the final patrol on 24 April, Council’s lifeguards tallied 396 patrol days across the seven beaches, overseeing a total of more than 263,000 visitors, underlining Kiama’s status as a desirable destination for holidaymakers.
Lifeguards responded to 235 first aid incidents, with nine requiring ambulance attendance. This low escalation rate reflects the proactive and highly effective approach taken by lifeguards in managing risks and delivering timely care.
A total of 90 rescues were performed throughout the season with Gerroa and Surf Beach accounting for 50% of them.
Kiama Council’s lifeguard service works in close collaboration with local volunteer surf lifesaving clubs to provide comprehensive beach coverage. While surf lifesaving clubs manage Jones Beach, Surf Beach and Werri Beach on weekends and public holidays, Council lifeguards provide weekday coverage and patrol non–surf club beaches, as well as extended services on public holidays.
With the introduction of AI-assisted camera systems installed at Blowhole Point, lifeguards have been able to respond more rapidly to incidents in this area, attending multiple emergencies.
There was an increase in callouts occurring outside of standard patrol hours.
Tragically, the season also recorded two drownings at unpatrolled locations, as well as a further incident occurring outside patrol hours. A fourth drowning occurred approximately 40 metres outside the flagged swimming area while a surf lifesaving club patrol was active on site.
These incidents highlight the ongoing risks associated with unpatrolled and non-designated swimming areas.
On a more positive note, a successful resuscitation was carried out at Surf Beach on 4 January, involving the Lifeguard Supervisor, an off-duty paramedic and a theatre nurse. Early defibrillation played a critical role in the successful outcome for the patient.
Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald paid tribute to the lifeguard team for again demonstrating dedication, professionalism and resilience.
“Safety is the unwavering priority for Council lifeguards and they have again gone above and beyond with their beach patrols,” he said.
“All residents of Kiama and the many tourists who come to enjoy our beaches owe an enormous debt of gratitude to our lifeguards for their tireless efforts.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all the members of our lifeguard team for their tremendous work in such a challenging role.”
Kiama’s lifeguards champion surf education, empowering youth with crucial beach safety skills. All five local primary schools participate in Council’s Surf Survival Program (Years 1–6), delivered each September before the spring holidays.
Council’s lifeguards are not only proactive in ensuring the safety of beach users but also play an important role in upholding local bylaws. There was an increase in surfcraft users and dog owners being directed to remain outside designated flagged areas and restricted beaches.
These compliance issues present ongoing challenges for lifeguards, as time spent addressing bylaw breaches can divert attention away from active water surveillance
