Beach patrol season closes in Port Stephens

In the 2016-17 season Australian Lifeguard Services (contracted to the council) and Surf Life Saving volunteers (weekend duties) conducted 47 rescues and 25,827 preventative actions.

This was down from 50 rescues and 35,691 preventative actions in the season prior.

Port Stephens Council said the statistics were only partly reflected a statewide down turn in people at the beach.

"For the past two seasons, we have increased the number of professional lifeguards and lifesaving equipment across all of council's patrolled beaches in Port Stephens,” contract and services coordinator Ian Crawford said.

“So it's pleasing to see the statistics show this investment has resulted in safer beaches for everyone to enjoy.”

In the 2016-17 season it’s estimated 507,051 people attended Port Stephens beaches. 

This was down from 719,376 the previous season.

Whatever the explanation for the numbers Mr Crawford said those who did take a dip were in good hands.

"The ALS team has a great working relationship with the Surf Lifesaving volunteers, and together they have worked extremely hard to protect beachgoers and educate them about the importance of water safety,” he said.

Port Stephens Lifeguard supervisor Phil Rock said the ocean conditions played their part too.

“We enjoyed favorable weather conditions which assisted us in the surf,” Mr Rock said.

“When we had those fine, sunny days we we’re equally lucky to have favourable swells.”

Other notable statistics include 267 first aid cases in 2016-17 compared to 363 in 2015-16.

The council also logged 795 instances of law enforcement action this season, half the 1,663 in the previous period.

The season ended on April 25. 

Port Stephens Council and ALS have a relationship that stretches back to 1990."The ALS team has a great working relationship with the Surf Lifesaving volunteers, and together they have worked extremely hard to protect beachgoers and educate them about the importance of water safety.