With the warmer weather months on the horizon, surf lifeguards are set to patrol Dunedin beaches in force.
Voluntary patrols will begin at St Kilda, St Clair, Brighton and Kaka Point beaches today and at Warrington Beach from November 22.
Volunteer lifeguards put in a huge amount of time ensuring Otago beaches are kept safe.
Surf Life Saving New Zealand southern regional manager Stu Bryce said 7734 of the 9857 hours' patrolling last year was by volunteer lifeguards.
''That's just under 30 hours per person,'' he said.
A total of 280 lifeguards are set to keep Dunedin and South Otago beach-goers safe this summer.
Volunteer lifeguards will be out on Saturdays from noon to 5pm and between 11am and 5pm on Sundays.
''The big issues we'll have this summer are the tides throughout St Clair.''
Patrols at Brighton, Kaka Point, St Kilda and Warrington will continue until March 15 and at St Clair until March 29.
