Palm Beach is among nine Northern Beaches locations set to see changes in who’s watching the waves, after Northern Beaches Council decided to stop using the Australian Lifeguard Service and instead run lifeguard patrols itself across the entire coastline.
A Council-Led Lifeguard Service
The change will start in the 2025–26 season, beginning in September. It ends a 25-year deal with the Australian Lifeguard Service (ALS), which currently runs weekday patrols at beaches north of Warriewood, including Palm Beach. Until now, lifeguard duties were shared between Council and ALS, depending on the beach location.
Northern Beaches Council says one team across all 21 beaches will improve consistency, offer more flexibility, and avoid extra costs. They believe beachgoers won’t see much change, aside from new lifeguard uniforms. The Council has thanked ALS and plans to work with them and local surf clubs for a smooth handover.
Criticism Over How the Change Was Made
Some have questioned how the decision was made, with ALS saying they offered a plan that included longer patrol hours and improved safety gear like mobile towers. They also claim the Council skipped a formal tender process.
There are concerns about rescue equipment, like jet skis and ATVs, which ALS owns and may not stay in use. One councillor warned the shift could add $1.5 million in yearly staff costs. The Council maintains the change will not cost more than the current arrangement.
Impact on Palm Beach and the Northern Beaches
Palm Beach and nearby Pittwater beaches like Whale Beach and Avalon have long relied on ALS for weekday patrols. These beaches are among Sydney’s busiest, with nearly 13 million visits last season and over 1,700 rescues. Northern Beaches Council says it has the experience to take over, pointing to its long history in beach patrols.
Manly began lifeguard services in the early 1900s, and Palm Beach has been patrolled since 1936. Now that the region is under one Council, they believe a single in-house team is the right step.
What Locals Can Expect Next Summer
Locals at Palm Beach will likely see familiar faces, as many ALS lifeguards are expected to join the Council team. Patrol times and locations should remain unchanged, though some worry service quality could suffer if the transition is not smooth.
Council says it aims to keep the same high standards across all beaches. A recent survey showed 99% of people were satisfied with current lifeguard services. More details are expected before the season begins in September 2025.
Published 17-July-2025
