Skip to content
Government NSW, Union

United Services Union Files Proceedings Against Coffs Harbour City Council Over Lifeguard Service Levels

United Services Union 2 mins read

The United Services Union (USU) has filed proceedings in the New South Wales Industrial Relations Commission (IRC) against Coffs Harbour City Council regarding the service levels of lifeguards at the city’s beaches.

The Union will allege before the IRC that lifeguards are regularly short-staffed, with some required to work up to 30 days straight, and critical positions remaining vacant for extended periods.

“Our members have been raising this issue as a matter of urgency with Council management for several years, yet it falls on deaf ears,” said USU Northern Industrial Officer Noel Martin.

USU members are concerned that the inadequate staffing levels place both lifeguards and the public at risk.

A meeting was held with USU members regarding these critical staff shortages in late October, with a follow-up meeting scheduled for November 7, which was subsequently cancelled by management.

The lifeguards are urging the public to be vigilant while swimming at the city’s beaches, as the lifeguard service is stretched to the limit.

Additional Concerns Raised by the Lifeguard Team:

  • The team is calling for a more permanent solution to their budgetary issues, as these issues are recurring and worsening.
  • The team is calling for adequate staffing and rostering to address service level changes and the increasing reliance on on-call arrangements during the regular working week.
  • The team is calling for a solution to the on-call arrangement during weekends.

What can the Public do?

Stay Informed:

  1. Keep up-to-date: with any announcements or warnings from the lifeguard service or local council regarding beach safety.
  2. Be Vigilant: Watch out for each other while swimming. If you notice someone in trouble, alert a lifeguard immediately.
  3. Follow Safety Guidelines: Always swim between the flags, adhere to posted signs, and follow any instructions given by lifeguards.
  4. Support Lifeguards: Show your support for the lifeguards by advocating for better staffing and working conditions. This can include voicing your concerns to local representatives.
  5. Educate Others: Spread awareness about the importance of beach safety and the current issues faced by lifeguards. Encourage friends and family to stay informed and vigilant.

By taking these actions, the public can help ensure a safer environment at the beaches and support the lifeguards in their critical role

The matter goes before the NSW IRC on Thursday 5, December 2024.


Contact details:

For further information please contact the United Services Union Northern Industrial Officer Noel Martin on nmartin@usu.org.au or 0417665876

More from this category

  • Government NSW
  • 07/02/2025
  • 10:29
NCOSS

NCOSS APPLAUDS FREE BREAKFAST FOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS, CALLS FOR FURTHER EXPANSION

Friday, 7 February 2025 NCOSS has applauded the NSW Government for expanding its free breakfast program to an additional 88,000 public school students. NCOSS CEO Cara Varian said this was a critically important step to help children below the poverty line who often start the day hungry. “NCOSS has repeatedly called for a universal free breakfast and lunch program in public schools, and we commend the NSW Government for today’s announcement,” Ms Varian said. “Evidence shows that a lack of access to healthy and nutritious meals can place kids at higher risk of obesity and severely impact their academic performance.[1]…

  • Contains:
  • Government NSW, Property Real Estate
  • 07/02/2025
  • 05:50
Unions NSW

Government must do more as short-term rentals price out essential workers

Immediate action must be taken on short-term holiday rental platforms like Airbnb, amid growing evidence they are worsening the state’s housing affordability crisis and pushing essential workers out of their communities. A comprehensive submission from Unions NSW to the Essential Worker Housing Inquiry has laid bare the severity of the crisis, with the expansion of unhosted short-term rentals drastically reducing the availability of homes for purchase and long-term renting. A survey of frontline workers in NSW found 78% are in housing stress, spending more than 30% of their income on housing. This is exacerbated by the fact that as of…

  • Government NSW, Legal
  • 06/02/2025
  • 00:01
Law Society of NSW

Strengthening the legal profession to better serve the community

Thursday, 6 February 2025 Strengthening the legal profession to better serve the community A sharp focus on supporting NSW’s 43,000 solicitors through every stage…

  • Contains:

Media Outreach made fast, easy, simple.

Feature your press release on Medianet's News Hub every time you distribute with Medianet. Pay per release or save with a subscription.