Volunteer lifesavers front up for second long weekend of patrols on Bate Bay beaches

Lifesavers have prime responsibility on weekends and public holidays, including Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day, for patrolling the red and yellow flag areas, plus 200 metres on either side.

They work in partnership with council lifeguards, who operate seven days a week.

Bate Bay lifesavers and lifeguards have an excellent relationship, retaining independence while working closely together.

Many lifeguards are also members of surf clubs, providing both groups with an understanding of how the other operates.

On normal weekends, 30-40 lifesavers patrol Cronulla, North Cronulla, Elouera and Wanda beaches at any one time.

The number grows to about 60 on peak days.

In addition, each beach has two to three lifeguards, backed up by a supervisor.

Despite the largely poor weather over the Christmas-New Year period, lifesavers on the four beaches have been busy.

On the Christmas weekend, just one of the Cronulla club's patrols was responsible for 45 "preventions".

Last Sunday, when perfect summer weather drew big crowds to the beaches, lifesavers carried out 40 rescues on Bate Bay beaches.