Sutherland Shire lifeguards team. Picture supplied

There were more than six million visits to Cronulla beaches over summer, according to Sutherland Shire Council estimates.

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Council lifeguards performed 750 rescues, delivered 4701 first aid treatments and undertook more than 228,000 preventative actions to stop incidents, a council spokeswoman said.

The official lifeguard patrol season ended on the Anzac Day long weekend, but there will continue to be a presence at Cronulla and North Cronulla beaches and observation patrols and surveillance.

This will be complemented by the council's advanced OSL aquatic safety CCTV network, which provides remote monitoring coverage across Bate Bay and surrounding areas.

A full lifeguard service will resume at the start of the September school holidays.

Sutherland Shire Council Ocean Safety and Lifeguards team leader Bede Elphick said the constantly changing conditions kept crews on high alert during the 2025/26 season.

"We'd see perfect swimming conditions one day, followed by strong southerlies or hazardous surf the next," he said.

"That unpredictability means our Lifeguards need to be constantly vigilant and ready to adapt."

Beach safety program. Picture supplied

Lifeguards also responded to 51 critical incidents, often requiring support from NSW Ambulance and other emergency services.

"These incidents range from minor injuries through to serious trauma and life-saving resuscitation, often involving complex multi-agency responses," he said.

Mr Elphick said strong partnerships underpinned beach safety across Bate Bay.

"We work closely with the four Bate Bay Surf Life Saving Clubs - Cronulla, North Cronulla, Elouera and Wanda - along with volunteer patrol members, local boardrider clubs, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, NSW Coastal Safety Group, Surf Life Saving NSW Support Operations and other emergency services," he said.

The council said the lifeguards team maintained a strong focus on prevention and education, delivering water safety programs throughout the year under the leadership of Education and Training Duty Officer Cameron Pyett.

During the 2025/26 season, Lifeguards delivered beach safety education to 103 schools and community groups, reaching more than 3000 participants.

"Education is just as critical as rescue work," Mr Pyett said.

"Helping people recognise hazards and make safer decisions around the water can prevent incidents before they happen, particularly for vulnerable groups, young people, seniors and those new to the beach environment."

The service also continued to expand culturally inclusive water safety initiatives, responding to the need to reduce disproportionately high drowning risks among multicultural communities.

Programs included Swim Safe Communities, sessions delivered through the Australian Migrant English Program, rock fishing safety initiatives, and partnerships with organisations such as Settlement Services International and Swim Brothers.

In 2025, Council continued to deliver inclusive, high-quality water safety education programs, supporting people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds. This work has been recognised, with Council's Culturally Inclusive Water Safety and Aquatic Initiatives named finalists in the 2026 Local Government NSW Awards.

Mayor Jack Boyd praised the Lifeguard team's commitment and impact.

"From rescues and first aid to prevention and education, our Lifeguards are saving lives every day," he said.

"They play a vital role in keeping our community safe and ensuring locals and visitors can confidently enjoy our coastline. It's just one of the reasons our beaches have been recognised as Australia's best in 2026."