Photo: Surf Life Saving SA Christies Beach
South Australians will have more opportunities than ever to swim safely between the flags this summer, with a record number of beaches along the metropolitan and southern coastline set to be patrolled seven days a week.
The Surf Life Saving patrols will conduct daily inspections and ensure the flags are placed in areas where the water is deemed safe.
While the government maintains that any area of the beach which is free of foam or discoloured water is safe to swim amid the algal bloom, the areas between the famous red and yellow flags will provide an additional layer of confidence for South Australians, knowing the area has been inspected and is being patrolled.
The expanded ‘Between the Flags’ patrol program, part of the State and Federal Governments’ Algal Bloom Summer Plan, will see Surf Life Saving SA lifeguards and volunteers on duty daily from December 1 through to the end of daylight saving on April 6, 2026.
For the first time, weekday patrols will be introduced across Semaphore, Henley, Glenelg, Brighton, Port Noarlunga, Moana, Aldinga and Goolwa, ensuring locals and tourists alike can swim with confidence amid ongoing algal bloom conditions. Patrols will remain mobile, adjusting to conditions to ensure the safest swimming zones are clearly flagged.
Premier Peter Malinauskas said the initiative is about helping South Australians enjoy their coastline safely. “This summer, South Australians can visit our popular beaches with confidence knowing there will be trusted Surf Life Saving patrols on duty,” he said. “We know how important our coastline is to the South Australian way of life—it’s where families come together, where communities connect, and where memories are made. The Summer Plan is about ensuring that continues.”
Federal Minister for the Environment and Water Murray Watt said the Albanese Government is proud to support the effort. “This investment in daily surf patrols means locals and tourists alike can keep enjoying the beach safely,” he said. “Protecting our coastlines isn’t just about the environment—it’s also about supporting local economies and the South Australian lifestyle.”
State Minister for Recreation and Sport Rhiannon Pearce added that the move will give families peace of mind. “Our beaches are part of who we are—and this summer, we want families to keep enjoying them safely, with lifesavers on duty every day,” she said. “It’s fantastic to see Surf Life Saving South Australia, our volunteers and governments working together to make this summer one of the safest on record.”
Surf Life Saving SA CEO Damien Marangon said the additional weekday lifeguard patrols mark a milestone moment. “For more than a century, surf lifesavers have protected South Australians along our coastline, and this investment ensures the red and yellow flags will be flying more often than ever before,” he said. “This summer, nearly 3,000 volunteer surf lifesavers from 23 clubs will return to patrol our beaches, contributing over 90,000 hours of service to protect more than one million beachgoers.”
Complementing the patrols, the State Government’s beach clean-up crews will conduct daily sweeps each morning to maintain safe and inviting conditions along the coast. Regular summer programs—including Nippers, Vacswim, surf rescue courses, surf babies and community water safety programs—will continue as planned.
SA Health continues to advise that while beaches remain safe to enjoy, swimmers should avoid foamy or discoloured water, which may cause irritation.
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