Council’s manager of development and compliance Graham Snow said these steps aid in the safety and enjoyment of all leisure seekers: swim between the flags; make sure you have a permit to drive on the beach; always take note of parking and safety signs at beaches and reserves; respect our public facilities; take your rubbish to the bins provided.

Mr Snow encouraged residents and visitors to enjoy themselves responsibly and take pride in Council’s popular public spaces. “Council’s rangers will be actively patrolling key areas across the Shire,” he said. 

“They will focus on things like parking to ensure that drivers are abiding by signage and ensuring that people are walking their dogs in designated areas and times.”

Lifeguards and surf club members emphasise to swim between the flags and be mindful of surf conditions. Lifeguards will patrol beaches at Grassy Head and Horseshoe Bay South West Rocks beaches will be patrolled by lifeguards until Monday, January 28, from 9am until 5pm daily. South West Rocks, Hat Head and Crescent Head main beaches will be patrolled from 9am until 5pm, five days a week, until Friday, January 25.

For more information on patrols or the shire’s four swimming pools visit: kempsey.nsw.gov.au