Lifeguards return to duty at Lake Parramatta

Regular weekend and school holiday lifeguard patrols will return to Parramatta’s newest swimming spot, the popular Lake Parramatta, on Saturday 31 October.

Swimming was re-introduced to the Lake in January this year for the first time in more than 70 years with thousands of people taking to the water during the summer months. 

Lifeguards from the Australian Lifeguard Service will be on duty every weekend, on public holidays and during school holidays from 9am to 6pm, until 13 March, 2016.

“Swimming in Lake Parramatta was so popular that we have decided to bring the lifeguards back for another season,” Lord Mayor of Parramatta Cr Paul Garrard said.

“Lake Parramatta has long been a hidden gem and a great place for families and friends to relax and have a barbecue. Now they can also cool off in a natural environment on those sweltering summer days.”

“The lake was closed to swimming in 1942, so it’s wonderful that we’ve been able to re-open it to the general public. The water temperature is currently sitting at a pleasant 21C and we’re predicting it could reach 28C in summer.”

Returning swimming to the Lake involved a formal risk assessment by Royal Lifesaving Australia. Their recommendations included the creation of a designated swimming area, new signage, safety improvements to pathways and the swimming entry and exit point. Council has also acted to provide rescue equipment, remove dangerous objects within and around the swimming area, and introduce ongoing water quality monitoring.

Regular water quality testing has shown that the Lake is suitable for swimming and Council will provide ongoing monitoring during summer with the results posted on Council’s website.

Australian Lifeguard Service (NSW) Lifeguard Operations Coordinator Oliver Munson said they were excited to be returning to Lake Parramatta to provide their services following the success of last season.

“Lake Parramatta provides locals with a fantastic natural swimming location and council have been great in providing its residents and visitors to the area with a safe swimming environment,” Mr Munson said.

“Our lifeguards will be on hand to keep the public safe using the same equipment as seen on the beaches, including rescue boards and rescues tubes to aid with water surveillance and first aid.”

Lake Parramatta was one of the first new swimming areas opened as part of the Parramatta River Catchment Group’s ‘Our Living River’ campaign to return swimming to the Parramatta River and its catchment by 2025.