On the Coast – Families Issue 97 I December/January 2019 | Page 47

Sc ho What's On ol Ho lid In need of entertainment these school holidays? ay Central Coast Council run and support school holiday events across the Coast. centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/schoolholidays The magic of Christmas to light up Kibble Park Don’t miss that magical moment when the Christmas Tree’s twinkling lights are switched on for the first time, lighting up Kibble Park and kicking off this year’s festive season. Mr and Mrs Claus will also make a special appearance in an evening of live music and Christmas carols, free children’s craft activities, food trucks and entertainment. Central Coast Council Unit Manager Community Partnerships, Glenn Cannard, invited the community to bring along a picnic rug or chairs and enjoy the evening of free entertainment and activities. “The Lighting of the Christmas Tree is a free annual event for the community with a range of arts and crafts, entertainment, food and Christmas Carols,” Mr Cannard said. “Kids that are feeling creative can try their skills on bauble, calico bag or gingerbread cookie decorating plus have their photo taken with Mr and Mrs Claus who have made a special trip down to the Central Coast. “We invite families, locals and visitors join us in Kibble Park from 5pm as we celebrate the start of the magical Christmas season.” The Lighting of the Christmas Tree will be held on 30 November 2018 from 5-8.30pm. The event is proudly presented by Central Coast Council and Gosford Business Improvement District. For more information visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/events Beach safety reminder for Coasties as season kicks off With summer nearly upon us, residents and visitors are reminded of the importance of beach safety and swimming between the flags across the Central Coast. Central Coast Council is encouraging beach goers to be safe and take care, by following these simple safety tips: • Only swim at patrolled beaches • Only swim between the red and yellow flags • Remember – if the lifeguards can’t see you, they can’t save you • If you do get into difficulty, remain calm, float and raise your arm to signal for help. • Never swim if you’re feeling unwell or have been drinking alcohol • Red and yellow flags indicate supervised and patrolled areas • Black and white flags indicate surf craft exclusion zones Council lifeguards patrol 15 beach locations from Monday to Friday, and the Grant McBride Baths at The Entrance, while Surf Life Saving members patrol 15 beach locations on the weekends and public holidays. In non-peak holiday times (29 September – 2 December and 2 February to 29 April) patrol hours across all beach locations are 9am-5pm. During the summer peak holiday period, from 3 December to 1 February, all locations will operate from 9am-6pm, with the exception of Umina, Avoca and Terrigal which will operate from 8am - 6pm. An additional patrol is also undertaken during the Christmas holiday period at Budgewoi Beach from 9am-6pm. The Grant McBride Baths at The Entrance will also be supervised from 9am-5pm from 29 September to 29 April and from 7am-12pm from 30 April to 27 September 2019. s