Lifeguards wrap up a safe season at Cable Beach

You’ll see a lot less yellow and red on Cable Beach from this month as the dry season lifeguard service comes to an end.

Patrolling the sands and waters of Cable Beach in their iconic uniforms, matching the colour of the flags demarking the area they watch over, Broome Shire Beach Patrol staff are an essential part of any tourist season; a familiar and reassuring presence from May to September.

This year saw a significant increase in beach attendance, with numbers rising from 33,000 last year to nearly 200,000 visitors — a record 45,000 of whom came in July alone. Yet there were no drownings recorded.

In fact, throughout the busy season, Cable Beach lifeguards only had to perform seven rescues. And nature was kind, too, with no crocodile sightings and only one reported Irukandji sting.

But as lifeguard patrols cease during the wet-season, locals and tourists alike are being warned that beach safety remains important, with the Shire of Broome — which runs the patrol in partnership with West Coast Water Safety and the Broome Surf Life Saving Club — reminding people to stay vigilant.

Beachgoers are urged to be mindful of changing tides, supervise children closely and remain aware of increased marine activity, including the potential for crocodile sightings and marine stings.

Shire of Broome president Chris Mitchell said he was very grateful for the dedicated efforts of lifeguards, volunteers and West Coast Water Safety officers over the dry season.

“We’d like to offer a huge thank you to West Coast Water Safety for their work this year,” he said.

“The Shire is strongly committed to public safety at Cable Beach, and we’re proud to provide lifeguard services to protect both locals and visitors during the peak swimming season.”

During the wet season, for assistance or information relating to Cable Beach, contact Shire of Broome Rangers on 9191 3456. In case of an emergency, contact 000.