Patrols start this Saturday with new club captain Adam McCosh, who takes over from chief instructor Shaun Murrihy, reminding beachgoers to stay safe.

"The first one is obviously social distance but also to know your limitations, supervise your kids and enjoy yourself," he said.

"Come and chat to patrolling members and ask for any cautions or anything you need to look out for but also swim between the flags as it helps us keep an eye on everyone."

McCosh, who has previously been a patrol captain, expects a busy summer and said new volunteers are always welcome.

"Trying to boost patrolling members is a key focus as we are expecting a busy season with people going locally," he said.

"We've got a good patrol base but we feel we could be a lot stronger this year. With COVID it makes it a little harder.

"(A lifesaving club) is a great community organisation to be involved in. You get to patrol by the beach and also give back to the community.

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"We want to get the message out and hopefully get some more people for bronze medallions and then start patrolling. If you're going to put your hand up to help the community this is a great place to start."

Last season volunteer lifesavers and lifeguards in Victoria performed 475 rescues, attended 2339 first aid incidents and helped keep more than 2.34 million visitors to the state's beaches safe.

Lifesaving Victoria Lifesaving Services General Manager Liam Krige said a number of pre-season rescues at beaches this year highlighted the need for all Victorians to play it extra safe on the water

"We've seen about a half dozen similar rescues take place at beaches around the state in the lead up to the patrol season," he said.

"It's thanks to the immediate actions taken by off-duty lifesavers and members of the public that tragedy has been prevented for a number of Victorian families."

Mr Krige said while the summer was likely to be a different one for Victorian beachgoers, the important water safety messages remained the same.

"Wherever possible, swim at a patrolled beach between the red and yellow flags, make sure to check the weather and conditions, read safety signs and always swim with a friend," he said.

"If you haven't been out in the water for a while, please take extra precautions and prepare and plan your day.

"All beaches, even bay beaches can be dangerous and have hidden dangers such as rips.

"Make sure to check the weather and conditions, use the beachsafe.org.au website to find patrolled beaches and always go swimming with a friend.

"We ask that all Victorians understand the current public health restrictions prior to heading out to beaches and inland waterways this summer and follow the guidelines."

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