Female lifeguards will account for approximately 40 per cent of professional beach patrol staff across Newcastle’s coastal locations and Ocean Baths this summer, marking an all-time high for the local council workforce. The milestone follows the expansion of City of Newcastle’s vocational lifeguard trainee program, delivered in partnership with Hunter Surf Life Saving since 2021 as the first initiative of its kind in New South Wales.
Trainee graduates Lexi Sutherland and Bronte Bowker have transitioned into professional casual lifeguard roles for the upcoming summer season after completing last year’s six-week holiday mentorship program. Applications for the 2026/27 trainee intake close on 6 October 2026, offering four secondary school students paid operational experience alongside senior council lifesavers.
Full-time professional lifeguard patrols return to all six Newcastle beaches this Saturday, complementing year-round daily coverage at three primary coastal beaches and the Merewether and Newcastle Ocean Baths. In tandem with coastal patrols, City of Newcastle is reopening its inland swimming pools at Wallsend, Mayfield, Stockton, and Beresfield following scheduled winter maintenance. The municipal pool network recorded more than 537,000 visits during the 2025/26 season.
Executive Manager of Community and Recreation at City of Newcastle, Lynn Duffy stated that the trainee pathway addresses regional seasonal workforce shortages while building local operational knowledge.
“Women now account for around 40% of our lifeguards, with more and more girls applying to be part of the trainee program every year,” Lynn said.
“We know some Councils are struggling to fill lifeguard roles because it’s a seasonal job that requires a unique set of skills. Our program helps us maintain a dedicated team of professional lifeguards who have comprehensive knowledge of our beaches and our procedures. The innovative trainee initiative launched in 2021 and so far every participant has come back to City of Newcastle to work as a professional lifeguard in some capacity. Applications for this summer’s trainee program close on 6 October, with four high school students being offered the chance to gain hands-on experience.”
Lynn added that water safety precautions remain critical as visitor numbers surge across coastal and inland facilities.
“When you’re enjoying our beautiful beaches, you should never swim alone, always swim between the red and yellow flags, ask lifeguards for advice about conditions and if you’re in trouble, put your hand up and yell for help,” Lynn said.
Newly appointed professional lifeguards Lexi Sutherland and Bronte Bowker noted that practical mentorship builds operational confidence across high-volume beach environments.
“I wanted to apply for the casual lifeguard role because the trainee program allowed me to create so many valuable friendships,” Lexi said.
“I developed so many new skills and had amazing learning experiences that I hope to keep building on this season.”
“I decided to apply for the casual position because I really enjoyed my traineeship and working with such a friendly team,” Bronte said.
“I gained valuable insights into the role across morning and afternoon shifts, developing my understanding of beach operations and confidence in handling different situations.”
IMAGE | Lifeguards Lexi Sutherland and Bronte Bowker at Dixon Park Beach.
