Maroubra’s volunteer surf lifesavers have returned to patrol as a nearby artificial intelligence camera trial at Little Bay continues to monitor dangerous rock fishing platforms, adding another layer of coastal safety protection ahead of summer.
The 2026–27 patrol season began on Saturday 26 September with a flag-raising ceremony at Maroubra Beach, attended by surf lifesavers, Nippers and NSW Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib. Volunteer patrols operate on weekends and public holidays until 26 April 2027.
Maroubra and South Maroubra surf lifesaving clubs are among 129 clubs participating in the statewide season. Both beaches, along with Little Bay, are also included in the expanded daily shark drone surveillance programme, which operates separately from volunteer patrols.
The season began against a troubling record of coastal drownings. By late September, nine people had drowned along the NSW coastline since 1 July 2026, including a swimmer at unpatrolled Marley Beach south of Cronulla. The previous financial year recorded 60 coastal and ocean drowning deaths, all occurring outside patrolled areas or away from lifesaving services.
Little Bay cameras detect coastal emergencies
Little Bay is one of two NSW locations taking part in a 14-month trial of Surveillance AI for Lifesaving (SAIL), a camera-based system designed to identify people swept from rock platforms into the ocean. The other trial site is Kiama Blowhole, with the project scheduled to conclude in November 2026.
The cameras capture video feeds analysed by artificial intelligence. When a possible emergency is detected with high confidence, the system alerts Surf Life Saving NSW’s State Operations Centre, where operators can assess the footage and coordinate an appropriate rescue response.
Little Bay’s inclusion follows eight rock fishing drowning deaths across the Randwick local government area during the decade preceding November 2025, five of them at Little Bay. The location’s exposed rock platforms and history of emergencies contributed to its selection for the trial.
The technology has already assisted in a rescue near Malabar, where cameras detected two fishermen being swept into the water during a heavy swell. According to Surf Life Saving NSW, a rescue jet ski was dispatched and both men, who were wearing lifejackets, were brought to safety.
Rock fishing deaths drive local safety measures
Other safety initiatives have focused on access to lifejackets and education for people fishing along Randwick’s coastline.
A free lifejacket borrowing trial began at Des Renford Leisure Centre in Maroubra in May 2026, providing equipment for rock fishers visiting nearby coastal locations. The programme was originally scheduled to conclude on 30 June, followed by a review.
Randwick City Council reported 24 rock fishing deaths across the local government area over the preceding 25 years. Wearing a lifejacket while rock fishing is mandatory throughout the area, with fishers also advised to check swell conditions, use non-slip footwear and avoid fishing alone.
Surf Life Saving NSW has also expanded its Gone Fishing education programme, targeting communities at greater risk of rock fishing accidents. A workshop was held at Little Bay in September, with further sessions scheduled across NSW through March 2027.
Volunteer ranks grow ahead of summer
Surf Life Saving NSW enters the season with 22,123 active patrolling volunteers, an increase of two per cent from the previous year. Total membership reached 86,456, including 31,023 junior Nippers.
Organisation president Elissa Hancock said the growing volunteer workforce was preparing for a demanding summer, with increased beach attendance expected to place pressure on coastal safety services.
Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib said the government was continuing to support lifesavers through investment in rescue equipment and technology. He urged swimmers to follow safety advice and remain between the red and yellow flags.
Beachgoers can check patrol locations and coastal conditions through Beachsafe.
Published 1-Oct-2026
