Flags came down along Wollongong’s beaches for the last time this season as winter hours kicked in. Photo: Wollongong City Council.
Winter is coming to the Gong and if the dive in temperatures since Easter didn’t give it away, the absence of patrol flags across almost all of our beaches did.
Today (Wednesday 26 April) marked Wollongong City Council’s switch to winter patrol hours for beaches and pools.
Flags went down at all beaches except North Wollongong Beach as council lifeguards take a well-earned break during the off-season.
Swimmers wishing to brave the cooler winter waters between the safety of the red and yellow flags will need to head to North Wollongong Beach, the only beach to remain patrolled daily from 9 am to 4 pm until the following summer season in late September.
Winter hours will also affect the area’s freshwater and saltwater pools.
Corrimal and Dapto freshwater pools will remain open during the winter months. Thirroul and Port Kembla saltwater pools will remain open until the winter closure kicks in on Thursday, 1 June.
Continental Pool remains open daily except Mondays when it’s closed for cleaning, while Helensburgh, Berkeley, and Western Suburbs freshwater pools closed yesterday.
Wollongong City Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM expressed gratitude to those who kept residents and visitors safe along our beautiful coast for the past eight months while reminding the community that surf conditions could change unpredictably, especially in wet weather.
“Thank you to the council lifeguards and the Surf Life Saving volunteers who patrolled our beaches this season,” Cr Bradbery said.
“Now as we head into winter, it’s time for another reminder that everyone still needs to swim between the red and yellow flags.
“Please follow the rules and keep an eye on one another when visiting our beaches.
“If you do want to go for a swim, North Wollongong Beach remains open and patrolled during winter.”
Rock pools always remain open, except for regular cleaning, but these are unpatrolled and can be affected by changing tides, sea and swell conditions.
The status and scheduled cleans for local rock pools, more information and a comprehensive list of opening hours can be found on the Wollongong City Council Pool webpage.
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