Latest figures show a spike in coastal drownings which has lifesavers on high alert with the patrolling season getting underway on Saturday, September 28.

There were four drowning deaths recorded on the Mid-North Coast with Sydney showing 15 and the North Coast seven.

Across NSW there were 44 deaths recorded over the 2018/19 year. That's a 22 per cent spike and above the ten-year average of 41.

There were increases in deaths related to diving/snorkelling and people drowning while they were attempting to rescue someone else.

Mr O'Mara said there were several reasons behind the drowning statistics, including increasing national and international tourism numbers, a growing population that does not have a beach culture and the changing nature of beaches across the state.

He also pointed to the key demographic that shows 89 per cent of victims are male swimmers or waders aged 20 to 34 years or aged 40 to 59 year-old rock fishers.

"According to Destinations NSW figures, the North Coast is regional NSW's number one region for international visitors, number one for nights and number 2 for expenditure," Mr O'Mara said.

"This region is also tops for domestic overnight visitors, number one for nights and expenditure.

"Coupled with those figures is the number of people who have family who have recently moved to the area.

"They may come from the metropolitan areas but don't necessarily have strong beach knowledge or culture.

"As well, international visitors - when they first arrive in Australia - can have a swim at Bondi and then head north to Queensland where the beach conditions a totally different compared with the Mid-North Coast."

The figures also show that there has been a 14.3 per cent increase since 2010 in people going to the beach during their holiday or visit to the area.

Mr O'Mara said Sydney and northern NSW beaches were more open and had fewer rock formations. Beaches such as Tacking Point, Town Beach and Flynns have rock formations, which are sometimes exposed which can often change beach conditions.

He said these localised conditions had the potential to lead first-time visitors into a false sense of security when entering the water.

"We really need to get everyone to stop-look-plan the think line before they enter the water," he said.

The imaginary think line can be used to get swimmers to stop and check the conditions before they even get in the water.

The regional manager said swimmers should only swim at a patrolled beach and between the red and yellow flags.

"Port Macquarie-Hastings residents can also play their part by looking out for people who they consider may not be regular beachgoers," he said.

"That way rescue services can be alerted much sooner."

Surf Life Saving NSW CEO Steven Pearce said the near-record drowning toll last year has surf lifesavers on high alert.

We are looking to new technology to assist us save lives this summer, he said.

"We have begun rolling out new rescue equipment as part of a major funding package from the NSW government, including additional jetskis and support operations vehicles," he said.

"Combined with drones which are our eyes in sky, these increased surveillance and response measures will give our volunteers a big boost to their capability."

Mr O'Mara also urged local residents to learn CPR or other life-saving measures and to consider joining a surf club.

"Nippers is for children aged five to 13 years and you can join Port Macquarie - Flynns Beach, Tacking Point - Lighthouse Beach, Wauchope Bonny Hills - Rainbow Beach and Camden Haven - North Haven Beach.

"You will learn valuable skills and knowledge about the beach in a safe, stimulating and fun environment.

"By joining a surf club you will be, contributing to the local community; developing leadership skills; developing the knowledge and skills to interact safely with the ocean; participating in an active and healthy lifestyle, and, learn skills for life.

"I would also suggest everyone download the beachsafe app."

For information on local clubs go to the surf life saving website.

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