The Christmas school holidays will be here before we know it, and as summer is just around the corner, more of us will be enjoying our gorgeous beaches and public pools to cool off.

It's extremely important that we're aware of the potential dangers around the water, and after recent tragedies up the coast.

I cannot stress enough how important it is to be safe and aware when around the water.

If you're spending the day at the beach, be sure to swim with a mate, stay between the flags. Make sure you read and obey all signage along the beach.

We've got a fantastic variety of beaches to enjoy throughout our region, and if you're planning on swimming make sure it's at one of our patrolled beaches.

Those patrolled are: Town Beach, Flynns Beach, Lighthouse Beach, Lake Cathie Beach, Rainbow Beach and North Haven Beach.

Our lifeguards and surf lifesavers do an exceptional job looking out for us in the surf.

By following their simple surf safety tips, not only are we helping them but we're keeping ourselves and our friend's safe at the same time. It is especially important if you have friends visiting who are unfamiliar with our beaches.

And it's not just the beach where it's important to stay vigilant around the water. If you've got a pool at home, staying safe is, as Laurie Lawrence would say, as easy as fencing the pool, shutting the gate, and keeping an eye out for the kids and have everyone in the family learn how to resuscitate.

So as we continue to enjoy the change in seasons, let's make sure we keep these safety messages in mind and keep ourselves, our family and our friends safe.

Now what are you waiting for?

Get out there and have some fun in the sun and don't forget to slip, slop, slap so you stay safe from developing melanoma.

For more information on beach patrol times and water safety tips visit pmhc.nsw.gov.au/beaches-waterways.