City of Coffs Harbour has underlined its commitment to lifeguard services but takes issue with some spurious claims being made through the media.
“It has been difficult to comment as the matter has been before the Industrial Relations Commission, however we need to address some inaccurate information,” Acting General Manager Andrew Beswick said.
The City provides patrol services at Park Beach, Sawtell Beach, Diggers Beach, Emerald Beach, Woolgoogla Beach, Red Rock Beach and Jetty Beach.
Park Beach, Coffs Harbour's main surf beach, is patrolled seven days a week throughout the year.
“The union’s claim that there are currently eight unfilled positions in the City’s lifeguard service is incorrect,” Acting Director City Planning and Communities Ian Fitzgibbon said.
Mr Fitzgibbon said current lifeguard service resourcing and associated arrangements had been determined for some time despite claims in the media to the contrary.
“All permanent roles are occupied and as of mid-November, we have in excess of 20 casuals engaged to ensure adequate coverage for the agreed patrol hours over the lifeguarding season. This includes an additional lifeguard at Park and Sawtell beaches for the peak holiday period,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.
“The City has driven major recruitment campaigns, including in the current year and in 2023-24 and this has resulted in the City having at least seven more casual employees available than for the previous season.”
Far from ‘penny-pinching’ as suggested in the media, the City has a projected expenditure in lifeguard services this financial year of $1.045 million – an increase of more than 24 per cent over the last two years.
The City operates in accordance with the Local Government State Award and the proposed roster for the 2024-25 peak season provides that our lifeguards are not rostered on for more than five consecutive days.
He noted lifeguard patrol locations and season dates are informed by beach visitation and service coverage by volunteer Surf Life Saving Clubs.
The City has also made significant current investment in lifeguard service infrastructure, including a new patrol tower at Park Beach, with a new tower at Sawtell to come online this financial year.
The City also facilitated the remote rescue tube project.
“We are also providing additional qualifications and competency training to all levels of lifeguards, including casuals, to ensure ongoing flexibility within the team,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.
Photo: The City of Coffs Harbour’s new lifeguard tower at Park Beach.