Red and yellow flags return to Hunter beaches

BY ALEXANDRA REES      

The red and yellow flags are now back on the Hunter's beaches to signify the return of weekend beach patrols.

Surf life savers are expecting big crowds to descend on the Hunter's shores over the coming months. 

Hunter Branch Surf Lifesaving President Henry Scruton says they're looking forward to a successful summer beach season. 

"We're hoping to have nice sunny calm beaches and wonderful weather for the summer series," he said. 

"A lot of people come and enjoy our pristine beaches along the Hunter coast."

There's hope the season will bring calmer weather conditions, but Mr Scruton says beachgoers should remain vigilant at all times. 

"Always swim between the flags and don't swim alone," he said.

"If you've got any concerns or issues please talk to the surf life savers or the lifeguards and make sure you are comfortable with what you are about to attempt within the ocean."

"Just be aware of where you are and keep an eye on the flags."

Works on Newcastle Ocean Baths to begin next month

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Revitalization works on the Newcastle Ocean Baths are set to get started on March14.

The $14.5 million stage one works include a new pump system, a renewed boardwalk, and improved disability access with a ramp and handrail.

The bleacher seating will be retained, but a controversial plan to concrete the pool's rock floor will go ahead.

The City of Newcastle says it won't affect sand buildup on the bottom of the pool, but admitted it will consider manually replacing sand after its annual clean, depending on weather and swell conditions.

A second stage of works will focus on upgrading the pavilion and surrounding public spaces.

The Ocean Baths will be closed while works are underway, expected to be wrapped up mid-2023.

Lifesavers Urging Families to Swim Between the Flags This Summer, After Teenager Drowns Near Forster

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Hunter lifesavers are asking families and holidaymakers to stay between the red and yellow flags and swim at patrolled locations after a teenager was caught in a rip and drowned at Diamond Beach, near Forster on Wednesday,

Police officers and paramedics performed CPR in an attempt to revive the 17 year old boy, but were unable to save his life.

Another family member who attempted to rescue the boy was hospitalised and treated for water inhalation.

Steven Pearce, CEO of Surf Life Saving NSW, said it was a "heartbreaking incident" to begin the school holidays.

"Please, if you're heading to the beach these school holidays, or this coming long weekend, swim at a patrolled location and always swim between the red and yellow flags," Mr Pearce said.

Lifesavers and lifeguards are on high alert as the weather warms up and are urging swimmers to exercise extra caution at unpatrolled locations.

Volunteers are also now back at Australian beaches on weekends and public holidays.

Image credit:www.surflifesaving.com.au

Hunter's Lifesavers and Fireys Gearing up for Hot Australia Day

BY KAYNE STEPHENS

Newcastle residents flocking to the beach this Australia Day long-weekend are being urged by Hunter lifesavers to be safe and cautious in the water.

Temperatures are set to reach 37 degrees Celsius and in addition to being sun-smart, beach-goers are being reminded to stay between the flags and act responsibly in the surf.

Hunter Surf Life Saving branch President, Henry Scruten, says the lifeguards are preparing for one of the busiest beach days of the year.

"The Australia Day long weekend is a bumper for us. All of our surf lifesavers will be available, all of the surf clubs will be open and will have all their patrols set," he said.

"We're asking the bathing public to adhere to the rules, stay between the flags, and if you've celebrated Australia day too long - stay out of the water."

Meanwhile, the Fire and Rescue NSW is urging people to be fire-safe in the Hunter over the weekend, with both high temperatures and hot barbeques expected for Australia Day.

Chief Superintendent Michael Morris from FRNSW says it's important to be mindful of the risks while enjoying the weekend.

“BBQ Fires and gas cylinder leaks can turn a weekend holiday into a disaster, so we encourage the community to not be complacent with their barbeques, and to know some simple fire safety tips, to avoid potential disasters,” he said.

"We want people to have fun, and enjoy their social occasions, with groups of people gathering around the barbie. Just always adopt fire safety practices, and enjoy a safe barbie!"

Henry Scruten from Hunter Surf Lifesavers suggests people can escape the heat by jumping in the water.

"For those that may be interested, the Stockton Surf Club are having an across-the-harbour swim on Saturday, and the Newcastle Surf Lifesaving Club are holding a swim from Nobby's Beach around to Newcastle.

"There will be additional patrols, and we're treating Saturday like a public holiday. Saturday, Sunday, and Monday will be full patrols on all of our beaches," he said.

Newcastle's beaches will be heavily patrolled as swimmers are encouraged to swim safely this Australia Day.

Shark Drones Return to Hunter Beaches

BY MADELAINE MCNEILL

A drone program improving safety at local beaches is being expanded to two popular Hunter swimming spots.

The state government will roll out the drones at Birubi and Redhead beaches this summer, allowing lifeguards another set of eyes on the surf.

The drones will be in operation from November 1st and will offer a birds-eye view for lifeguards to spot potential risks from the air.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot Macdonald has said that while risk prevention is the priority, the drones will also inform future approaches for the NSW Shark Management Strategy.

The local beaches are among 15 across the NSW coast trialling the technology until April 2019.

A bull shark filmed off Redhead Beach during last season's drone trial. Image: The Herald

Community Rallies for Stockton With 10,000 Signatures

BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE

Stockton residents are today marking the collection of 10,000 signatures on a petition campaigning for an end to the coastal suburb's erosion crisis.

The milestone means Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp will have the opportunity to debate with the Environment Minister in state parliament for the second time.

It comes after $1 million in emergency money was granted by the NSW Government for Crown Lands to clean up the recently re-exposed former Stockton Tip site, however, the residents want to see a long-term solution.

Tim Crakanthorp says this issue has been dragging on for years and it's crucial the government acts now.

"It's so important now because this community is being threatened," he said, "we've got the Surf Club here in danger from storms and east coast lows, we've got Lexi's, we've got the Caravan Park, the Childcare Centre, a rubbish tip that's been unearthed...

"Crown Lands are finally coming to the party there - well they've missed the party," Mr Crakanthorp asserted, "this coast is under threat and people's houses will soon be under threat."

Cathy from the Stockton Community Action Group said everyone wants to see the beach saved, as many families have generations of history there.

"The whole community has been united in expressing their concern about the erosion and the damage to the beach, and there's quite a sense of urgency that something needs to be done soon before it disappears," she said.

"We're looking to the government to know what our concerns are and to commit funding, urgently, to save the beach," Cathy said.

Making Progress: Stockton activists Barbara, Simon and Cathy. 

Someone who understands that personal connection to Stockton is local activist Simon Jones.

"I grew up surfing here my whole life, and it hurts to see the beach the way it is now," he said.

Chair of the Stockton Community Liasion group, Barbara, said she's witnessed the beach's drastic decline.

"People like myself who've lived here for more than 60 years remember when we would come to the beach and walk way out," she said.

"We would walk through all kinds of scrub to get to the beach, which seemed to stretch endlessly - now it's disappearing."

Barbara said the Liaison group wants to see millions of tonnes of sand replenishment, possibly with a headland to be constructed in the future.

Tim Crakanthorp receives the final signatures to reach a 10,000 person milestone. 

Traces of Asbestos Confirmed at Stockton

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Hunter Water has confirmed the presence of asbestos amongst the rubbish piling up at Stockton beach.

A major clean-up operation is kicking off today as contractors begin rectification works at Hunter Water's landfill site at Stockton Beach, which has recently become exposed due to erosion.

Kieran Smith from Hunter Water says testing was conducted on the landfill material on Monday and the results revealed a single sample containing friable asbestos.

"We confirmed earlier in the week we suspected there were hazardous materials present at the site and that's why we conducted testing on Monday afternoon through to Tuesday."

While there is no risk to nearby residents, Hunter Water is urging the public to avoid the site until the clean-up is complete.

"The best thing people can do is stay well clear of the works entirely until they're completed," Kieran Smith said, "it should a only take a few days. It's for everyone's safety to keep clear of machinery and also the hazardous materials on the site."

Temporary fencing and signage first installed on Friday will remain in place to remind visitors to steer clear of the area.

Litter lines the sand at Stockton Beach. Image: Matt Carr. 

BREAKING! Man pulled Unconscious from Merewether Beach

BY JESSICA ROUSE

UPDATE 11:25am

The man has been transported to the John Hunter Hospital in a critical condition.

EARLIER:

A man has been pulled unconscious from the surf at Merewether Beach.

NSW Ambulance Paramedics were called to area at about 10:15 this morning.

Lifeguards reportedly pulled the man from the surf who was lying face down.

Four ambulance crews were called to the scene.

The man aged in his 50s reportedly went into cardiac arrest and NSW Ambulance say they are still on the scene.

More details to come.

"Magnificent" Merewether Beach highly commended

BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE

Newcastle's very own Merewether Beach is now in the spotlight, with independent ranking website, 101 Best Beaches, giving it a high commendation.

Clean sand and surf breaks as well as authentic locals were listed as attractive features of Merewether, which was dubbed "the Best City Beach in Australia," over destinations such as Bondi or Surfers Paradise. 

The website found that Australians are seeking less congested beaches to holiday, with the Newcastle region offering a laid back lifestyle and thriving cafe scene. 

The Bathers Way pathway for walkers and the historic Merewether Baths were also recommended by the site as must-see locations. 

Merewether Beach was further described as Newcastle's "blue jewel in the crown," made famous by surfer Mark Richards and the Surfest competition. 

The place to be: Merewether beach may see greater tourism numbers following the favourable listing.