Wyong Shire and Gosford City Council’s will host a Stay Safe at the Beach Day next Saturday aimed at raising awareness of beach safety to culturally and linguistically diverse people.

The day will be held at Shelly Beach between 10am and 2pm on February 6.

Following its award winning 2008/09 Beach Safety campaign, Gosford City Council is preparing for another great season on Gosford beaches with the launch of its 2009/10 Summer Safety campaign.

This season's campaign targets beachgoers with four key safety messages;

1. Always swim between the red and yellow flags
2. If we can't see you, we cant save you
3. No flags = no swimming; and
4. In difficulty, raise your arm and remain calm

Drink and sink. That is the message Wyong Shire Lifeguards are sending about the dangers of mixing alcohol with swimming this summer.

From next week, a radio campaign will support the distribution of Beach Safety brochures, drink coasters and posters providing information such as how to identify a rip, details of the Shire’s patrolled beaches and sun safety.

Drink and Sink is the key message appearing on drink coasters to raise awareness about the dangers of mixing alcohol with swimming.

After several serious surf rage incidents on the Central Coast, NSW Sport and Recreation released The Surfer’s Code.

The Code is similar to the Surf Rage Pilot Program launched in Byron Bay following a string of violent attacks on surfers.

Compiled with the help of local surf schools, board rider clubs, surf life saving clubs and councils, the Surfer’s Code outlines a list of “rules” that local surfers are expected to abide by.

For swimming
While most Central Coast beaches are great for a dip, conditions can vary from day to day. Even the most popular beaches are prone to rips, gutters and strong currents.

For safe swimming Gosford City Council and Wyong Shire Council lifeguards patrol a combined 16 beaches year round with two additional beaches patrolled during busy summer periods. Popular swimming spots on the Central Coast include: