Town Beach to close during Low Tides

Thursday 17th December 2009

Port Macquarie's Town Beach will be closed during extreme low tides expected on the coast during the next week.

The combination of low tides and depleted sand has exposed previously submerged sea rocks in the vicinity of the patrolled area of Town Beach.

Council's Acting Manager of Parks and Recreation, Liam Bulley said, "Sand levels at Town Beach have been affected by erosion for most of the year and have deteriorated more during the past week.

"This is a natural occurrence and we have to let Mother Nature do her thing and allow the sand to regenerate naturally.

"Closing Town Beach in the lead up to, during and immediately after the extreme low tides over the next week is the only option available to Council for the sake of public safety," Mr Bulley said.

"This couldn't have occurred at a more inconvenient time right on the eve of the holiday season. We will continue to monitor the situation over the next two weeks and advise the community of any changes.

"Relocating the patrolled area of the beach is not an option due to rocks and strong currents. Council's lifeguards will remain at the beach during the closure periods," Mr Bulley said.

People are being encouraged to swim at other patrolled beaches during the closure period.

Lifeguards patrol Town Beach everyday from 9am till 5.30pm and Flynn's Beach Monday to Friday between 9am and 5.30pm. Lighthouse Beach, Bonny Hills Beach and North Haven Beach will be patrolled during the school holidays between 9am and 4pm Monday to Friday. Patrols at Lake Cathie beach will be conducted daily between 9am and 3pm.