We’re just lovin’ it, say Erin Fung, of Melbourne, left, Tenay Russell, Pambula, Phebi Robinson, Sydney, Makenziee Russell, Canberra, Lillian Riddle, Canberra, Abi Fung, Melbourne and Veronica Fung, Melbourne as they run through the water in Merimbula Lake at Spencer Park. STORY Page 4.
As the mercury rose, visitors to the area revelled in the holiday sunshine, enjoying everything Merimbula’s and Pambula’s beaches could offer. Families came armed with shades, sunscreen and tents, while in the water there were boats, body boards and snorkellers as well as the usual swimmers and those just lazing around soaking up the sun.
Locals can’t recall a run of such perfect beach weather which started on Boxing Day and has continued with the exception of when the mercury rose to a sweltering 41 degrees Celsius on Tuesday January 8 and on Sunday January 13 when the area received some much needed rain.
At Bar Beach the crowds have packed into the café area to enjoy some refreshment in between their dips.
Darren Walker who was holidaying with wife, Danielle and daughters, Breanna, Natalie and Dakota said they had enjoyed perfect weather every day since their arrival.
But despite the beauty of the scene, lifeguard, Shayne Rettke, of Tathra has had to assist 30 people since Boxing Day when lifeguards started their summer roster on Bega Valley Shire beaches.
“We’ve had a lot more rescues this year. The sands are different and the current is a bit stronger,” he said.
Changes to the sand formations at Bar Beach have caused the current, which can take the unwary by surprise, to strengthen. Changing sand patterns have also meant that once caught in the strong outgoing current it is more difficult to find a spot to clamber ashore, Shayne explained.
Fortunately there have been no serious accidents this year at Bar Beach.
At Spencer Park, the gentle pools left by the outgoing tide were attracting families with young ones and with the playground nearby and shade from some of the trees in the park, it was proving to be a popular spot for picnicking.
The ever popular Fishpen area has been full of family groups as has been Merimbula’s Main Beach where the crowds spread along a wide stretch although many chose the swim between the flags.
Holiday makers at Pambula Beach have enjoyed surf as well as calm waters. Pambula Surf Life Saving Club guard, Emma Prowse like her counterpart at Main Beach, Merimbula, Kyle Van Der Meulen, said that everything had gone “pretty smoothly” over the Christmas and New Year period.