Coffs Harbour lifeguards go above and beyond as massive crowd swarms Jetty Beach

A string of volatile situations have kept Coffs Harbour lifeguards on their toes, alongside the usual harrowing rips and rescues.

City of Coffs Harbour Lifeguards team leader Greg Hackfath. Picture: Nathan Edwards

Coffs Harbour lifeguards have been praised for defusing potential powder keg incidents at a people-packed Jetty Beach.

With their hands already full watching swimmers in a big swell, lifeguards Maddi Carah, Kate Fry and Rhys Mulholland have had to deal with alleged domestic violence and theft.

A man arguing with his wife at the tourist hotspot became increasingly agitated, resulting in lifeguard intervention, City of Coffs Harbour Lifeguards team leader Greg Hackfath said.

“They managed to calm him down and defused the situation, and a shout out to the Water Police too, who arrived very quickly,” he said.

“Fortunately, domestic violence is something that we don’t often see.”

Jetty Beach is a favourite with families – but there’s been no shortage of drama since Christmas with big swells across the Coffs Coast.

The second incident arose when a beachgoer reported theft of personal belongings.

“Maddi spoke to the people suspected of taking the gear and of course they denied it,” Mr Hackfath said.

“But then one of the mothers (of the kids) turned up and she did a mighty job.

“She tore strips off them and took their phones off them because that is a punishment. And the people got their gear back.”

Greg Hackfath said it’s inevitable some people will go to unpatrolled beaches, but he pleaded with swimmers to at least follow three rules to try and stay safe. Picture: Nathan Edwards

Jetty Beach is one of the most popular in Coffs Harbour, and a favourite with families.

But it’s been helter skelter in the warm days since Christmas.

“It has been chaotic with people absolutely everywhere,” Mr Hackfath said.

“We’ve had a big swell – not big enough to close beaches, but a lot of caution needs to be taken.”

Jetty Beach is spectacular, and it’s been a summer holiday magnet for tourists and locals. Picture: Trevor Veale

Given the spate of tragic drownings across NSW, Mr Hackfath said people should follow at least three rules if at unpatrolled beaches.

“Look for a surfboarder or bodyboarder in the water because they are the ones who are going to save you if you get in trouble,” he said.

“The second thing is take a flotation device like a bodyboard or surfboard with you and finally if you get caught in a rip, float to survive – don’t try to (panic and) swim against it – and wait for somebody to come and help.

“In most cases a rip will eventually take you back to the beach.”

Mr Hackfath said the big swells at Coffs Harbour were likely for a further week.