Jenny Barrie fears there could be more serious accidents at Newcastle’s beautiful beaches if the safety levels don’t improve.
And, her concerns seem well-founded after a jet skier carelessly struck local avid swimmer Don McLachlan, ripping his wetsuit to shreds, last weekend.
The City of Newcastle (CN) Liberal councillor is now encouraging residents to meet her for a rally at Dixon Park Beach on Saturday 17 August, from 11am, to work on strategies to keep everyone safe all-year round.
“This abhorrent incident should never have happened to Don or anyone who loves to swim at Dixon Park or one of the six main Newcastle beaches,” Cr Barrie said.
“He’s a community-minded leader with recent dealings with council, late in 2023, on behalf of John Parade residents in relation to the Throsby Styx Creek Flood Study as a spokesperson.
People should be able to enjoy themselves in the water, without having to worry about those who have expensive toys.
Jenny Barrie
“Safety and the beach culture is a way of life for thousands of residents who are blessed to live close to the southern beaches of Merewether, Dixon Park and Bar Beach.
“So, this senseless and dangerous hit and run should never have occurred on our precious coastline.
“The welfare of swimmers, especially all-year round, like Don shouldn’t be in jeopardy… ever.
“That’s why I want to catch up with people, who swim, surf and love the beaches, this weekend.
“Although there’s a police investigation into Don’s accident, it is important to continue to advocate for the wellbeing of locals and visitors alike.
“They should be able to enjoy themselves in the water, without having to worry about those who have expensive toys.
“Don’s injury has given me energy to lead the charge for improvements to beach safety.”
Cr Barrie, who is standing again in Ward 2 at the upcoming NSW Local Government Elections, remains determined to make a change.
“I’ve been advocating for improved beach safety for some time,” she said.
“And, I’ll continue to lobby on behalf of the volunteers to enhance their surf lifesaving clubhouses, especially Cooks Hill and Merewether.
“In fact, all six clubs boast outdated facilities.
“We also need an after-hours lifeguards’ service through the summer holidays and rescue tubes to be left on Merewether and other beaches to help those at risk of drowning, as well as after-hours’ rescues.
“When it comes to saving lives in our water, especially our retired folk, we should all take to the streets and work together on implementing strategies to ensure everyone feels safe, young or old.”
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