Eurobodalla Shire Council's lifeguard season has wrapped up with 36 rescues recorded during the summer patrol period.
Australian Lifeguard Service supervisor Dave Perry said beach attendance numbers dipped slightly compared to last season, but lifeguards were still busy managing changing surf and weather conditions.
"We had a great start to the season with warm water and favourable conditions in those first few weeks, which brought plenty of people to our beaches," Mr Perry said.
"The back half of the holidays were tougher, with strong southerly systems, dangerous surf and heavy rain causing some pollution. We closed beaches right across the shire which kept attendance numbers down."
Total attendance across the seven patrolled beaches during the school summer holidays reached over 60,500, with lifeguards treating 19 first aid cases and carrying out 82 law enforcement actions - mostly reminding people dogs are not permitted on patrolled beaches, Mr Perry says.
Despite the quieter period, lifeguards carried out almost the same number of rescues as the previous year.
"Our team performed 36 rescues this season, compared to 38 last season, along with more than 7,000 preventative actions and public interactions, where we step in early and help people avoid getting into trouble in the first place," Mr Perry said.
"About ten percent of our work is simply talking to people about conditions, hazards and the safest places to swim. Those conversations often prevent rescues."
South Broulee again recorded the highest visitation across patrolled beaches, with Surf Beach in the north and Dalmeny in the south also seeing big crowds over summer.
Mr Perry said one of the season's highlights was the introduction of more young lifeguards through the rookie development program.
"This year we had a younger cohort coming through, including three rookies aged 16 who worked short shifts during the busiest parts of the day," he said.
"Running three-person patrol teams during peak times has been a huge asset. It lets lifeguards rotate, stay fresh and run roaming patrols to speak with beachgoers during their eight hours on the job."
"It's also great career development where these younger lifeguards gain experience and confidence, then return next season fully qualified and ready to step up."
Mr Perry said all lifeguards employed this season were locals, patrolling the beaches they know best.
"If you love the ocean and want a great summer job, we'd love to see more locals join next season," Mr Perry said.
While Council's contracted lifeguard service has finished, volunteer lifesavers continue patrolling Eurobodalla's four surf club beaches until the end of April.
