With a chill in the breeze, our late summer has come to an end and winter is on its way.

It's also time for our wonderful lifeguards and volunteer lifesavers to take a break, with all beaches – with the exception of North Wollongong Beach – unpatrolled from Wednesday, April 26.

Anzac Day, April 25, will be the last time until spring that the red and yellow flags are put up along most of the Illawarra coastline, with surf lifesavers patrolling on the public holiday.

With Helensburgh, Berkeley and Western Suburbs’ pools closed for winter from April 25, and all beaches, except North Wollongong, unpatrolled until the season restarts in late September, here are the top spots to enjoy a safe winter swim:

• North Wollongong Beach

The only beach in the Illawarra that is patrolled year-round, with lifeguards on duty from 8am to 5pm daily. Remember to always swim between the red and yellow flags.

For more information on beach safety, visit Wollongong City Council’s website.

• Continental Pool

North Wollongong’s saltwater pool is open Tuesday through Sunday from 6am to 2pm throughout the colder months. The pool is closed Mondays for cleaning.

• Port Kembla Pool

This popular saltwater pool with full disabled access remains open until June 1, from 6am to 1pm daily, though is closed Wednesdays for cleaning.

• Thirroul Pool

The 50-metre saltwater pool and toddler pool at Thirroul remain open until June 1, from 6am to 1pm daily.

• Corrimal Heated Pool

The 50-metre heated pool at Corrimal is open year-round from 6am to 6pm daily. While the 25-metre and toddlers’ pools are open during the swim season, they close during the colder months.

• Dapto Heated Pool

Dapto’s 50-metre outdoor heated pool and 20-metre pool remain open year-round from 6am to 6pm every day, though the toddler pool is closed from February to December.

• Beaton Park Heated Pool

Open year-round, the 25-metre heated pool at Beaton Park Leisure Centre in Gwynneville is open daily during the following hours: Monday to Thursday from 5:45am to 8pm; Fridays from 5:45am to 6:30pm; weekends from 6:30am to 5pm.

• Rock pools

The nine rock pools along our coastline – from Coalcliff Rock Pool to North Wollongong Gentleman’s Pool – are open at all times except during routine cleaning days. As these ocean pools have no lifeguard service, be aware of surf conditions and remain vigilant. For best swimming, visit the rock pools at low tide.