Summer must be on the way - Northern Beaches Council lifeguards resume beach patrols at Freshwater and Dee Why this weekend as the winter fades and lazy days at the beach beckon.

Council General Manager Environment & Infrastructure Ben Taylor said patrols would also continue at Manly Beach seven days a week. The remaining beaches would be opened as of Saturday 23rd September.

“We see nearly seven million visitors each year as well as hosting numerous surf carnivals, ocean swims and large events like Australia Day and that keeps us very busy.

“Our Council lifeguards carried out 456,000 preventative actions during 2016-17. Their professionalism and dedication has recently been recognised by the community which is rightly proud of their service,” Mr Taylor said.

Council works in cooperation with volunteers from the surf lifesaving clubs at weekends and on public holidays and is grateful for their valuable contribution over many years.

Council encourages everyone to only swim between the flags.