A council staff report to councillors recommends that extended seven-day-a-week lifeguard coverage by trialled in July, August and September at the shire's two most popular beaches, Soldiers and Shelly beaches.

The report also recommends that council permanently fund extended discretionary work hours for lifeguards, which enables lifeguards to begin shifts earlier and end them later if surf conditions and the number of people in the water warrants it.

Cr Sue Wynn said the proposal had merit.

"We would be looking after our residents all year round," she said.

"And if the Central Coast wants to promote itself as a tourist destination, then these are the sort of things we need to take into account."

The report to councillors cites factors including the shire's population growth, the likelihood of warmer weather due to climate change, and the high proportion of part-time workers in the region as evidence of the need for year-round patrols.

Lifeguards currently spend the winter months deployed in other areas of council work, such as open space maintenance.

Cr Bill Symington said he was yet to be convinced of the need for year-round patrols, or whether patrolling just two beaches in winter would achieve the desired result.

"There are still a lot of questions that I need to have answered," he said.

Councillors were due to consider the matter at last night's meeting.