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“Flags are up. Please swim between them,” the club posted to social media on Saturday.

Hunter Surf Life Saving Executive Officer Jenny Hicks highlighted the importance of vigilance and community spirit as the beaches welcome an influx of visitors.

“Over the course of last summer, our volunteers provided first aid on over 1,000 occasions, made over 300 rescues and completed over 100,000 preventative actions, together clocking up more than 68,500 patrol hours,” Ms Hicks said.

“With almost 800,000 visitors last season and even more expected this summer, our surf lifesavers are essential to ensuring everyone’s safety.”

Hunter Surf Life Saving Branch President Henry Scruton echoed Ms Hicks’ emphasis on beach safety, acknowledging the support of Newcastle Permanent in keeping local beachgoers safe.

“We’re fortunate to have the backing of Newcastle Permanent, whose support provides the resources and equipment that help us continue protecting our community along the coast.”

Hunter SLS has had a record-breaking year, being recognised as Branch of the Year at the Surf Life Saving New South Wales Awards of Excellence and experiencing its largest membership increase in history, with 800 new members.

With membership numbers up by 1,500 in recent years, the region is gearing up for another busy season as more people choose the Hunter for beach visits over battling Sydney traffic.

The Hunter SLS Branch includes thirteen clubs stretching from Catherine Bay to Tea Gardens-Hawks Nest.