Many of the Shire’s attractions are on or around its spectacular beaches. It’s a haven of activity with something to suit everyone…

Major Patrolled Beaches

• Cronulla
• North Cronulla
• Elouera
• Wanda

These beaches are patrolled year round by council lifeguards and throughout summer in conjunction with volunteers from local Surf Life Saving Clubs.

This beautiful stretch of coastline is a congregation point for thousands of swimmers, surfers, walkers, sporting teams, surf lifesaving events and café patrons.

Non Patrolled Beaches

• Cronulla Coast - Greenhills, Blackwoods, Shelly Beach, Oak Park, Darook & Gunnamatta Bay
• Kurnell - Boat Harbour, Silver Beach
• Bundeena Beaches - Hordens, Gunyah & Jibbon Beaches
• Royal National Park - Bonnie Vale, Garie, Marley, Era, Watamolla,

Beaches for Kids

• Gunamatta Bay - Perfect for parents with toddlers. Excellent playground facilities, accessible and clean toilets, kiosk and café style eatery. Safe swimming areas, convenient parking with easy access for parents with prams.
   
• Shelly Beach - A great option for parents with younger children. Large open grass areas surround play equipment and a safe sea bath for kids to swim in without the worry of waves or rips. Parking and accessibility for prams and wheelchairs is also easy.
   
• South Cronulla - a great place for fish and chips in the park on a summers evening. The natural amphitheatre feel of the park flows down onto the protected southern corner of Cronulla’s beaches which provides the perfect place for families to meet on those hot summer afternoons. Let the kids play in the playground and enjoy the nor- east sea breeze, whilst mum or dad places an order for dinner in the many take-a-way shops in the area”
   
• North Cronulla, Elouera & Wanda - If your children are older and ready for the waves, North Cronulla, Elouera and Wanda beaches are the pick. These beaches are patrolled year round by a professional lifeguard service and have kiosk and public toilet facilities with ample free car parking.

Boat Harbour

If your feeling adventurous why not pack the family and all the beach gear in the car and drive right down onto the sand. The Boat Harbour four wheel drive park at the northern end of Cronulla allows for vehicle access onto the beach” (entry fee applies)

Lifeguard Information and PATROL TIMES
 

Safety information

Please observe the following water safety information, which may save your life.

• NO FLAGS NO SWIM! Always swim between the red and yellow flags. The flags indicate a supervised swimming area, so never swim outside the flags.
• DO NOT SWIM directly after a meal or if under the influence of alcohol.
• DO NOT SWIM when the beach is closed or unpatrolled. If there are no red and yellow flags this means the beach is closed or unpatrolled.
• DO NOT PANIC if you get caught in a current or undertow – raise one arm up in the air to signal for lifeguard assistance, stay calm and float until help arrives.
• DO NOT STRUGGLE if you get a cramp – raise your arm for help and float or keep the affected parts of your body perfectly still.
• DO NOT STRUGGLE against a rip or current – swim diagonally across it.
• ALWAYS supervise your child in or around any body of water.
• IF UNSURE of surf conditions ask the lifeguards or lifesaver for advice.

Who can help you at the beach? Lifeguards and beach inspectors

Sutherland Shire Council employs professional lifeguards to patrol the beaches in Bate Bay all year round. Council lifeguards are highly trained in all facets of water safety and in the application of Local Government Acts and Regulations. If you require first aid or need assistance for beach related matters, look for a lifeguard wearing their distinctive red lifeguard uniform. There is also a clearly marked beach signage at each access point to our beaches. Volunteer members of the Surf Lifesaving Association help Council lifeguards to patrol the beaches on the weekend and public holidays during the summer months. They wear red and yellow uniforms, and can also help you at the beach.

Sun protection - SLIP SLOP SLAP

Too much exposure to the sun can cause skin cancer, so make sure that whenever you visit the beach you take adequate precautions. Always wear sunscreen (maximum protection factor), a hat and a shirt. It is also wise to avoid long periods of direct exposure to the sun during the hottest hours of the day.