Lifeguards take a well-earned break

As we pass the winter solstice our summer lifeguards are enjoying a well-earned break!

The 2022-23 patrol season report shows an increase in rescues even though we had less beach-goers.

Council’s 31 lifeguards operated 405 patrol days from September 2022 to April 2023, across our 7 patrolled beaches

Our 3 surf lifesaving clubs at Kiama Downs, Kiama, and Gerringong provided 216 volunteer patrol days at their respective beaches.

Seven Mile Beach remains our most patronised beach, experiencing a significant increase in visitors. Easts Beach also recorded an increase in use.

However, we had an overall 15.6 per cent drop in beach visitors (260,000), due to the resumption of international travel.

Despite this decrease, our lifeguards had to perform more preventative actions (6,658) and rescues (116).

Twelve rescues were conducted at South Bombo, a notorious black spot, with four people taken to hospital.

On a positive note the installation of the Emergency Response Beacon (ERB) at South Bombo Beach (others were also installed at Blowhole Point and Kendalls Beach), proved invaluable for these rescues.

The ERB intercom system was used by members of the public, allowing a quick response from lifeguards at North Bombo Beach and Surf Beach.

Our lifeguards were also able to resume their regular (pre-season) surf education awareness program (post-COVID) at our 5 primary schools in September.

This program teaches essential lessons regarding sun safety, water safety, rescue equipment and methods, first aid recognising dangerous surf conditions and the necessary surf skills needed to deal with them.

Dog owners taking their animals onto local beaches also kept our lifeguards busy, making up the vast majority of the 755 breaches of regulations on our beaches during the season: www.kiama.nsw.gov.au/lifeguardreport2023

Bigger, better and greener

Our waste services team has taken delivery of a brandnew bin collection truck, which allows them to service more bins with a smaller carbon footprint.

The Dennis Eagle truck has already had the thumbs up from its driver Jim, who is enjoying the bigger capacity, which means fewer trips back and forth. The truck also has a low entry cab, meaning Jim not only doesn’t have to get in and out as often, but it’s easier on the body when he does.

The ‘Eagle’ can handle 22 cubic metres of waste and recycling, while its high efficiency engine complies with Euro VI emission standards. It even comes with a nifty deodorising system that sprays each bin automatically after it is emptied.

New waste calendars now available!

You can download your new waste calendar for 2023-2024: www.kiama.nsw.gov.au/Services/Waste-and-recycling/ Find-my-bin-collection-dates

School holiday program

Wondering what's on for your children these school holidays?

Kiama Leisure Centre has a range of activities to keep the kids entertained including the inflatable pool toy, gymnastics games and fun!

Join the fun at SENTRAL Youth Services with basketball, soccer and kick-ball competitions, Pride Day and the SENTRAL Sounds music gig.

Kiama and Gerringong Libraries have a smorgasboard of offerings, from Sphero light painting and popcorn beanie making to LEGO challenges and more!

Want more? Check out what’s happening via Destination Kiama’s July calendar, which has all sorts of events, activities, markets, workshops and more.

www.kiama.nsw.gov.au/winterholidays