More than 21,000 volunteer surf lifesavers will be out in force to protect swimmers and beachgoers across the State with the patrol season starting this weekend.

Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott raised an iconic red and yellow Surf Life Saving NSW flag and stuck it into the sand at Manly Beach to launch the season and remind swimmers to remain between the markers.

The volunteers come from 129 surf clubs in NSW who patrol beaches from tomorrow to April 2020.

“In the last 12 months, volunteer surf lifesavers rescued almost 4000 people from drowning across NSW,” Mr Elliott said.

Member for Tweed Geoff Provest said surf lifesavers were an essential part of the Tweed community.

“I want to thank all those men and women who dedicate their time to protecting others on beaches and along our coastline,” Mr Provest said.

“And the message to all beachgoers this summer as always is – swim between the flags.

“Surf lifesavers give up their time to put your safety before their own – don’t make their job harder than it has to be.”