Tathra Beach will be the only patrolled beach south of Mollymook this February, after community and business groups of Tathra joined forces to commission lifeguards for the seventh year running.
To ensure visitors are kept safe, Tathra’s popular main surfing and swimming beach will be patrolled every day through February, surprisingly a rarity on the far south coast according to local tourism operator Rob White.
"I think it is underestimated how important ‘swimming between the flags’ is to our visitors, particularly in February when the weather is at its best and the younger families can travel. It would be surprising to many how few beaches are patrolled after January," Rob said.
Rob White said that lifeguards can quickly activate shark alarms in the event of a sighting, with capacity to initiate a helicopter response. This extra safety measure is a great selling point to young families looking to visit Tathra throughout February.
"In February 2021, the Tathra guards performed 17 rescues and more than 350 other actions that mitigated other incidents, and Tathra Beach is a safe beach by NSW standards. So there would be similar stories on unpatrolled beaches up and down the coast," Rob said.
Tathra Chamber President Carmen Risby said the initiative is expected to boost visitor numbers to Tathra in February, with businesses reaping the benefits.
"Patrolled beaches are definitely a huge drawcard, and with ours the only patrolled beach south of Mollymook in February, it gives locals and visitors a unique safe environment," Carmen said.
Tathra Beach will be patrolled 7 days a week through February 2022, with surf club volunteers manning the beach on the weekends.
For more information on Tathra go to visittathra.com.au
Credit: David Rogers Photography
