The upgrade in patrols comes as part of the council’s push for beach safety over the Christmas period, and mayor Jane Smith said it was important for beachgoers to adhere to the rules of the beach.

"With an anticipated 1.3 million visitors using our patrolled beach locations, it's necessary that people are advised about the importance of beach safety," Cr Smith said.

Beach patrol hours during non-peak times – September 23 to December 15, and February 1, 2018 to April 30, 2018 – to will be 9am to 5pm.

During peak times – December 16 to January 28, 2018 – all locations will be 9am to 6pm, and Terrigal, Avoca and Umina beaches will be patrolled from 8am until 6pm.