While data for April is yet to be compiled, the figures show that voluntary patrolling members performed admirably during the almost eight month season.

There were no reported drownings recorded during patrol hours at any beach on the Mid-North Coast branch area.

The patrolling season ended on Anzac Day.

A breakdown of the preliminary figures for rescues shows that the Port Macquarie club performed 41 rescues during the season or 35.3% with the Kempsey-Crescent Head club performing 38 rescues or 32.8%.

Hat Head’s figures were 17 rescues, 14.7%; Wauchope-Bonny Hills 8, 6.9%; Camden Haven 7, 6%; Mackville-Scotts Head 4, 3.4%; and Tacking Point 1, .9%.

There were some 564 first aid incidents reported during the patrolling season with Hat Head topping the list with 177 or 31.4% following by Port Macquarie with 114 or 20.2% and Macksville-Scotts Head with 100 or 17.2%.

Kempsey-Crescent Head’s figures were 69, 12.2%; South West Rocks 51, 9%; Wauchope Bonny Hills 35, 6.2%; Tacking Point 12, 2.1% and Camden Haven 6, 1.1%.

The preliminary figures showed that there were 23,839 recorded patrol hours logged with Port Macquarie club the best performed with 5406.25 hours followed by Wauchope Bonny Hills with 3981.50 and Hat Head with 2828.75 hours.

Tacking Point club registered 2653.25 patrolling hours, followed by Kempsey Crescent Head with 2413.25, Camden Haven with 2275.75; Macksville-Scotts Head with 2191.75 and South West Rocks with 2088.50.

Working alongside the voluntary organisation, Port Macquarie Lifeguard supervisor James Turnham said there were about 100 rescues recorded for the season.

There were also about 1000 first aid cases reported, which includes figures for blue bottles stings and other minor incidents.

“While there were no major incidents reported during patrol hours, there were several major events that did occur outside hours or at unpatrolled beaches,” he said.

​Working under the Australian Lifeguard Services banner for the first time, Mr Turnham said lifeguards patrolled at six beaches utilising 25 fulltime and casual lifeguards.

“We continued to work closely with surf life saving volunteers and a change in lifeguard uniform – now red – made us a bit more visible on the beach,” Mr Turnham said.

The lifeguard supervisor said that while the patrolling season had ended, he reminded potential swimmers, and other water users, of the dangers presented by the surf.

“Now that our beaches are not being patrolled, it is imperative that people do not swim alone at the beach,” he said.

“Don’t swim under the influence of drugs and or alcohol and always look out for any potential dangerous situations.

“The surf conditions are constantly changing and rocks and rips can and often do, appear out of nowhere.

“We have a call out team in place and we can respond very quickly. So if you see someone in trouble, immediately dial triple-0 and ask for the police.”