Merewether Beach Safety Advice

Beach Patrols

Merewether SLSC runs volunteer surf lifesaver patrols (yellow and red uniforms) at Merewether Beach on weekends and public holidays over the summer period from October to April between the hours of 9am and 5pm.

At other times, lifeguard patrols (white and navy uniforms) at Merewether Beach are run by the Newcastle City Council.  Please refer to the Newcastle City Council website for Lifeguard Patrol Times.

Both the Surf Club Lifesavers and Council Lifeguards use the yellow and red flags to display to the public the beach areas under supervision.

Beach Patrols

Surf Safety

  • Always swim or surf at patrolled beaches
  • Swim between the red and yellow flags. They mark the safer area for swimming
  • Never swim, surf or fish alone
  • Read and obey the signs
  • Be aware of rip currents (know how to spot one and how to escape from one)
  • Don’t swim under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  • Never run or dive in the water, even if you have checked before as water conditions can change
  • If in doubt stay out
  • Seek advice from the lifesavers and lifeguards
  • You can access information on the BEACHSAFE website by clicking here.
Local Beach Advice

Local Beach Advice

  • If you are unsure of your swimming ability in the surf, the safer environment of the Merewether Ocean Baths is only a short walk away.  Refer to the Newcastle City Council website for Merewether Ocean Baths cleaning times.
  • Surfers and other fixed craft must always stay clear of the area between the flags – remember your equiment can become dangerous to swimmers when out of control
  • Bluebottle jellyfish occasionaly visit Merewether beach – remove any stingers as soon as possible and apply ice to the affected areas to provide temporary pain relief
  • The Council Lifeguard 1st aid room at Merewether Beach is located in the white transportable office situated immediately south of the surf club