A man experiencing an epileptic fit in the water at Bar Beach was rescued by City of Newcastle lifeguards in a dramatic incident that underscores a significant increase in beach rescues across the Hunter region this summer.
Critical Rescue at Bar Beach
On a scorching day in December, lifeguards found the man unconscious outside the flags at Bar Beach. They swiftly pulled him from the ocean and administered oxygen before transferring him to hospital, according to Cooks Hill Surf Life Saving Club president Michael Clancy.
"He was unconscious, he was actually having an episode in the water, he was alone but he managed to make a full recovery," Mr Clancy said. "If both the volunteer surf lifesavers as well as lifeguards hadn't actually been there, that would have been a fatality."
Surge in Rescue Operations
This rescue is part of a broader trend of increased activity at Hunter beaches. Between December 20, 2025 and January 29, 2026, City of Newcastle's beaches and ocean baths saw an 13 per cent increase in tube, board and jet-ski assisted rescues compared to the same period last year, with lifeguards called into action 85 times.
A City of Newcastle spokeswoman noted that while rescues have increased, first aid incidents at beaches and ocean baths have decreased by 31 per cent this summer. Lifeguards have administered more than 700 procedures, ranging from minor injuries to emergency medical responses.
Preventive Measures and Public Safety
The council employs professional lifeguards who patrol beaches year-round, working alongside Hunter Surf Life Saving volunteers. During the recent period, lifeguards carried out more than 10,300 preventive actions, including safety advice to swimmers, surf craft users and dog owners.
"We strongly encourage everyone to make safety a priority and only swim between the red and yellow flags at patrolled beaches and remember you can always ask our lifeguards for advice," the spokeswoman said.
Volunteer Lifesavers' Busy Season
Hunter Surf Life Saving volunteers have been equally busy, patrolling from Tea Gardens to Catherine Hill Bay across 13 clubs on weekends and public holidays. This season, volunteers have:
- Performed 96 rescues
- Carried out more than 46,000 preventive actions
- Attended to 352 first aid incidents
- Undertaken searches for 19 missing people reports
Challenges with Beachgoers
Hunter Surf Life Saving Club president Henry Scruton noted that while most locals understand beach safety, visitors often underestimate ocean conditions. "A lot of visitors go up to the Port Stephens area to Fingal there and they walk across that spit at low tide, the water comes up and they can't get back," he said. "The Fingal surf club almost runs a shuttle service trying to get people back."
In response to recent shark attacks along NSW's east coast, local clubs have increased drone patrols to monitor swimmers. Mr Scruton emphasized basic safety principles: "If you're not confident in your ability, talk to the lifesavers at the beach, just ask them what the conditions are like, swim between the flags, with a friend where possible and within your ability."
He also warned against mixing alcohol with swimming: "Alcohol and salt water don't mix, so if you've had a few beers, stay on the sand."
The summer season continues to challenge both professional lifeguards and volunteer lifesavers across the Hunter region, with increased rescues highlighting the importance of beach safety awareness among all visitors.
