URGENT UPDATE: The surf season is officially kicking off with the highly anticipated Raising of the Flags ceremony set for 10:00 AM on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at the Macksville-Scotts Head Surf Life Saving Club. As temperatures rise, Surf Life Saving Mid North Coast prepares to welcome locals and visitors alike to another exciting summer filled with beach safety and fun.
This annual event marks not just the start of summer but also the launch of the Nippers season, where young beachgoers will hit the sand in October. With nearly 150,000 visitors expected on local beaches this season, the community’s commitment to safety is more crucial than ever.
Newcastle Permanent has been a steadfast supporter of Surf Life Saving Mid North Coast for over 20 years. Last season alone, they aided more than 800 Nippers across eight clubs, teaching essential skills such as surf awareness and CPR. Newcastle Permanent Mobile Home Lending Specialist Mikaila Stevenson expressed pride in the ongoing partnership, emphasizing the significance of the Raising of the Flags event.
“These events signal more than just the start of warmer weather; they highlight the dedication of our Surf Life Savers who serve the community,”
said Stevenson.
Surf Life Saving Mid North Coast President Rod McDonagh ESM stressed the importance of vigilance this season, particularly after a busy summer last year. Volunteers executed nearly 3,500 preventative measures and logged over 20,000 patrol hours to ensure beach safety.
“Nippers serves as a fantastic stepping stone for young individuals to embark on their journey toward becoming skilled lifesavers,”
McDonagh said.
2025 is already shaping up to be a remarkable year for the organization, having been named the 2025 Branch of the Year. Port Macquarie SLSC also received accolades as the 2025 Club of the Year at the Surf Life Saving New South Wales Awards of Excellence.
The support from Newcastle Permanent, which invests almost $1.5 million annually in local communities through various initiatives, underlines the vital role of community partnerships in sustaining lifesaving services.
Those interested in joining the Surf Life Saving community can find additional information at https://www.slsmnc.com.au/.
As summer approaches, the excitement is palpable. Don’t miss the chance to witness the flags rise, signaling the start of a safe and vibrant surf season!
