Hunter branch chief executive officer Rhonda Scruton said 150 lifesavers were added to the volunteer movement after surviving the water testing of their Bronze Medallion and Surf Rescue Certificate at Stockton beach on Saturday.

It was the fourth Central Venue Examination of the 2016-17 season with 300 new surf-lifesavers already completing their qualifications prior to the weekend.

“Our numbers are higher this year than normal and after Saturday we are up 450 new patrolling people compared to usually around 100 at this time of the year,” Ms Scruton said.

Members from 11 of the branch’s 13 clubs completed a run-swim-run, board rescue, tube rescue and patrol scenario on Saturday.

The testing brought to an end 10 weeks of preparation and training to gain qualifications to patrol beaches in the branch.

“Rescue and Bronze Medallion holders are put into a roster as soon as they get these awards and they play a vital part in reducing drownings through patrols,” Ms Scruton said.

“Volunteers give over 70,000 hours patrolling a season to our four Councils every weekend from September to the end of April and without this amazing contribution we would have many more drownings on our coastline.

“Surf lifesaving is made up of 99.9 per cent of volunteers who contribute to our local community by protecting the bathing public.”

As the weather heats up and Summer holidays approach, the branch CEO said it was timely to remind beach-goers of the risks involved on our coastlines.

This included heeding safety signs at beaches.

“Due to extra marine activity it is more important than ever to swim only at patrolled beaches,” she said. “Rips are a constant at the beach. Swim between the flags where the lifesavers deem safe.”