When the flags were packed away for the last time on the Anzac weekend, Hunter Surf Life Saving clubs knew their members' vigilance had paid off for another year.

Between September and April, 687,500 beachgoers were watched by 7630 patrol members.

Their time volunteered was 71,405 hours, which equated to $2.5 million in wages not paid.

The patrols performed 19,165 preventative actions, made 311 rescues and completed 599 first aid acts (68 of which required ambulance calls).

They also attended 24 after-hour calls.

Hunter Surf Life Saving chief executive officer Rhonda Scruton said it was a brilliant season and that the volunteers had worked hard.

"It is so admirable," she said.

To wear the red and yellow quartered cap, patrol members need to have their awards - a bronze medallion, first aid, spinal management, inflatable rescue boat crew and advanced resuscitation techniques - up to date.

These proficiencies are taught by volunteers with TAFE-equivalent qualifications who, in the preseason, donated 30,000 hours to train lifesavers for 8807 awards.

Mrs Scruton said the Hunter community was well educated about safety.

"They swim between the flags; when the whistle is blown, they wave and move back to the flag area."

She attributed this to education, especially its school program which teaches 10,000 children water safety messages each year.

The season was not all smooth sailing, with large southerly swells and shark sightings.

Beaches were shut for about 160 hours (about 20 days) due to shark sightings. They were not re-opened until rescue watercraft had no sightings for two hours.

However, the biggest challenge for lifesavers was people who ignored their warnings.

In November, Redhead lifesavers rescued four ski paddlers in three-metre waves near the bluff.

During the rescue, an inflatable rescue boat capsized, causing $20,000 worth of damage, while another lifesaver was knocked off his board.

For the "spectacular" rescue, the lifesavers received the Surf Life Saving national rescue award.

Lifesavers will start training in July to be ready for the next season.