Work is underway on a new lifeguard facility at One Mile Beach this week that will improve the comfort of lifesavers and safety of beach goers in time for summer.
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The new surf lifesaving facility will replace the tired old facilities which have past their expiration date.
“A new building and amenities always helps in our line of work,” Port Stephens lifeguard supervisor Phil Rock said
“It will mean a bit more comfort and more space for equipment.”
Site preparation including demolition begun earlier this week to make way for the $840,000 replacement facilities which are double the existing building footprint.
Port Stephens Council asset section manager John Maretich said the new facility will be a drastic improvement on the facilities that saw lifeguards through last summer.
“It will not only include storage areas for surf lifesaving equipment but also unisex amenities for staff, a first aid room and importantly, a shark observation tower,” he said.
“The inclusion of a shark tower will allow lifeguards to have better oversight of the beach and enable them to respond more quickly to sightings.”
Mr Rock said the elevated post would greatly assist lifeguards week-to-week and volunteer surf lifesavers of a weekend.
“We’re pleased there is provision of a shark tower in the new plans,” he said.
“That elevated position allows our guards to have much better vision of the beach and water.”
Construction is due for completion late-September, just in time for summer.
