New smart beaches technology being rolled out by the NSW government is helping councils make decisions about when and where to roster lifeguards, local government minister Wendy Tuckerman says.

The Smart Beaches project will provide real-time data via GPS and smart cameras to almost 50 beaches in NSW, assisting lifeguards in predicting beach conditions.

The system uses data from wave detection buoys, AI cameras and GPS technology affixed to surf rescue boards to gather information on beach conditions.

The smart devices are capable of providing real-time readings on tide conditions and wave patterns, as well as predictions on many people will visit the beach, how long they will stay and the most popular times for swimming.

Program expanded

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello says the Government has invested $1.6 million to expand the project beyond the Northern Beaches and Lake Macquarie to five new council areas up and down the coast this swim season.

“The Smart Beaches project means … our lifeguards have the latest data on hand to be better prepared for dangerous conditions and prevent incidents both in and out of the water,” he said  in a statement.

The program will be expanded to beaches in Randwick, Central Coast, Wollongong, Newcastle and Sutherland, Ms Tuckerman says.

“The data insights help councils make better decisions about when and where to roster lifeguards, decisions that could ultimately save lives,” the minister in a statement.

 The technology has  been successfully trialled at Freshwater, Shelley, South Steyne and Dee Why beaches.

 An app is also being developed for Summer 2023/2024 to help councils streamline existing reporting and data systems into a single dashboard.

Funding has been provided through the Smart Places Acceleration Program, a $45 million allocation as part of the Digital Restart Fund.