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."

2022 Hunter Junior Life Savers of the year announced

BY SIOBHAN HARVEY 

Two of the regions most promising volunteers have been awarded the title of 'Newcastle Permanent Hunter Junior Lifesavers of the Year' over the weekend at the Hunter Branch Age Championships. 

The winners were 14-year-old Briella Gyler-Dial from Caves Beach Surf Life Saving Club and 13-year-old Taj Horadam from Redhead SLSC.

Monique Ramplin from Merewether SLSC was given a special mention and awarded a High Distinction for her efforts. 

Hunter Surf Life Saving president Henry Scruton said that local surf life saving clubs are about saving lives and building stronger communities and that the 2022 winners are the perfect candidates. 

"These young people are so impressive and are an asset to the surf life saving movement and to the beach safety of our community," Mr Scruton said. 

"The future of surf life saving will be in really good hands, these young ones have come in, had their interviews and have done extremely well." 

Mr Scruton said it is clear that the winners aspire to continue their work in surf life saving and keeping the community safe.

"They want to become IRB operators, drivers and patrol captains, they are really enthusiastic about the surf lifesaving movement which has thrilled us." 

Briella is working to inspire the next generation of lifesavers and advocate the importance of surf life saving. 

"Surf life saving is so important because lifesavers help prevent people drowning at beaches," she said. 

The awards at the championship were presented by Newcastle permanent's Swansea branch manager Brett Freebody. 

Newcastle permanent has had a long standing relationship with Hunter Surf Life Saving for over four decades and has just extended their support for the movement for another three years. 

"We have worked so well together because we are both committed to supporting our community," said Mr Freebody.

Source: Hunter Surf Life Saving 

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

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.