With December 1st marking the start of summer and National Water Safety Day, Surf Life Saving Tasmania (SLST) launched their 2025/2026 patrolling season on the sands of Kingston Beach.

Joined by the Minister for Sport, Hon. Nick Duigan, SLST CEO Tony van den Enden launched the season with the reminder for all Tasmanians about being safe around the water and the key safety message of 'Stop, Look, Stay Alive'.

"This summer, we're asking Tasmanians to stop and check conditions before they get in the water, look at the weather and if in doubt, ask a local or talk to a surf lifesaver to understand the conditions," van den Enden said. 

With 1,269 accessible beaches across Tasmania, van den Enden encourages Tasmanians to work together to ensure everyone remains safe recreating in the waterways.

"While we patrol the beaches we can, it's critical we provide that safety message, skills and confidence for Tasmanians to enjoy our waters, whether that be inland or our beaches."

While Tasmania recorded a decrease in drownings last season, there is still a focus to ensure numbers decrease further in the upcoming season this National Water Safety Day. 

"It is a really important for us all to consider - Tasmania has got one of the great coastlines anywhere in the world - we want people to get out there and recreate but we want them to do it safely. Knowing how to read the beach is very important," said Duigan. 

Last summer, Tasmanian surf lifesavers responded to over 2,400 incidences, being rescues and first aid, and performed over 23,000 recorded patrol hours keeping Tasmanians safe.

This weekend, over 800 patrolling members across the state will put up the red and yellow flags to mark the start of the 2025/2026 patrolling season on Tasmania's beaches. Overall, over 3,000 volunteer members will play a critical role in keeping Tasmanians safe over the summer. 

"We look forward to a really good summer ahead. We want people to stay safe, enjoy our magnificent coastline and please thank and think of our volunteers out there providing the service," said Duigan.