Daily beach report
Northern NSW Lifeguard co-ordinator Steve Leahy’s daily beach report:
The day kicked off with lots of sun and some decent waves. All beaches reported lots of people early in the day but things quietened down as the clouds started coming in and surf conditions deteriorated. Lots of rips were found right along the coast. Here’s what happened on lifeguard patrolled beaches in Ballina shire today today:
Lennox Head: Surf conditions were around a metre and waves were powerful. Lifeguard Anthony rescued a nine-year-old boy shortly after 11am after he was trapped in a rip. Thirty-three swimmers were cautioned about swimming in dangerous locations away from the flags.
Shelly Beach, Ballina: Large crowds flocked to Shelly Beach to enjoy the warm, sunny conditions. Some very strong rips on both sides of the flags today kept Lifeguard Ruben busy with 26 preventative actions being undertaken.
Tomorrow’s forecast: A hot day is expected with isolated showers and thunderstorms. Moderate to fresh north to north-west winds.
Today’s Water Safety Tip: Young children often get into some difficulty when they are on a body-board. Sometimes the current takes them a little too far out and the child panics. Body-boards — or boogie-boards — are great floatation devices and the child should be encouraged to hold on to it until a lifesaver or lifeguard reaches them.
