Professional surf lifesaver Morgan Smith of Tathra works summer-long for the Australian lifeguard service and regularly patrols Aslings Beach, and has reported that it’s not just the sun that’s making folk hot under the collar.

“There are groups of people disputing where we put our flags and which area of the beach we’re patrolling,” Mr Smith said.

“One group wants the flags towards the southern end of Aslings Beach, near the rock pools.

“Another group wants the flags towards the northern end, in front of Eden’s caravan park.

“And another group wants the flags in the middle of the beach, across the road from the skate park.”

Confusing matters is the change of position of the flags over the last three summers.

Two years ago the flags were placed across the road from the skate park, enabling the public to use the toilets and showers.

But last year the set up was in front of the caravan park, which Mr Smith believes is the ideal location.

“The public are welcome to use the facilities in the caravan park, and for us lifesavers it’s better because it’s further north so our tent’s protected from the north easterly winds over summer, and we can also store our gear at the park.”

Mr Smith said the majority of people using Aslings Beach are from the caravan park, but said parking in that vicinity also accommodated additional parking for visitors.

But neither a patrol opposite the caravan park nor a patrol opposite the skate park is making one lobby group happy.

“We’re not sure who they are, but some people want us further south,” Mr Smith said.

“We’re not even sure how far south they want us.”

To put the matter at rest, the surf lifesavers have circulated a survey through Eden, inviting locals and holidaymakers alike to indicate their preferred position for the patrol area and flags.

The survey can be found in most Imlay Street cafes, the Eden surf shop, and the front desk of the Eden Magnet newspaper, and will be available for comment until this Friday January 15.