As volunteer surf lifesavers raise the flags on a new patrol season, a report on coastal drowning deaths shows a worrying increase in fatalities during 2017/18.

Despite the best efforts of emergency services a man has drowned after getting into difficulty while surfing on Sydney’s Northern Beaches on Tuesday.

Beachgoers at Bilgola on Sydney’s Northern Beaches on Sunday were fortunate enough to be part of history as Australia’s oldest active lifesaver bade farewell to his patrol for the final time.

Two off-duty surf lifesavers who assisted in the successful resuscitation of a swimmer at Shelly Beach on Sydney’s Northern Beaches have been recognised for their efforts as January’s winners of the NSW Rescue of the Month Award.