SATURDAY marked the official start of the new surf lifesaving season.
The Bate Bay clubs — North Cronulla, Cronulla, Wanda and Elouera — spent the day on the beaches and in the ocean.
The dedicated members of the clubs reported for duty for their first surf patrols of the season.
The clubs are the guardians of Sutherland Shire's picturesque beaches alongside the council's professional lifeguards.
Safety is paramount and the dedicated, skilfully trained volunteers play an important role in the community.
The surf patrol teams do their utmost to ensure public safety by reminding the public to swim between the flags.
North Cronulla Surf Life Saving Club member Madison Kelly Makovec, 13, of Menai, has just started patrols.
"Being part of the surf lifesaving movement is about being able to help other people and I have just become a cadet after nine years of being a North Cronulla Nipper," Madison said.
"I love being able to be on patrol and use all my training to help keep our beach safe.
"I love being down at the beach with my friends on patrol and would recommend everyone my age volunteer their time to surf lifesaving."
Surf Lifesaving NSW has 129 clubs and 76,000 members statewide, making it one of the largest volunteer movements in Australia.