Town Beach, Flynns Beach and Lighthouse Beach in Port Macquarie along with Lake Cathie, Rainbow Beach and North Haven Beach in the Camden Haven will have lifeguards and lifesavers making sure everyone stays safe this summer.

Port Macquarie lifeguard Blake Polverino said when heading to the beach it is important to swim between the flags and to follow all signs at the beach.

“Most importantly people should only be swimming between the flags, at patrolled beaches, in the Hastings this summer,” Mr Polverino said.

“From today there will be six beaches across the Hastings which will have lifeguards and lifesavers patrolling seven days a week over the holidays.

“The other thing people need to watch out for are other signs on the beach indicating rough conditions or rips and stay clear of them.”

Mr Polverino also said that if you are not a strong swimmer know your limits when hitting the surf.

“One of the biggest issues we find is people heading into the surf without understanding the conditions,” he said.

“We have lots of inexperienced people heading into the water and get into trouble so knowing your limits would be a big one.

“The other issue we find during the holidays is that parents don’t pay enough attention to their kids which can be dangerous at the beach.”

He said the other thing people need to know is how to spot a rip and what to do if they get caught in one.

“If you are swimming at a patrolled beach lifeguards and lifesavers will know where the rips are and will be on the look out for people needing help.

“So the main thing to do is not panic, conserve your energy and put your arm up to signal you need help.

“If you are a strong confident swimmer, swimming diagonally to the sandbar but the main thing to remember is swim between the flags and we will be able to help.”

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