“It’s been a perfect storm and what we are really concerned about is[the fact] it’s only the first week of[January].”

Pearce said drowning figures have been exacerbated by the number of people looking to avoid crowds by visiting unpatrolled beaches.

“We are just seeing mass inundation along the NSW coast which is great for communities but taxing for the lifesavers,” Pearce said.

“As long as this hot weather continues,we are going to see the crowds. We are just super concerned that this is going to push people to unpatrolled locations and that this drowning toll is going to climb.”

With forecasts pointing towards drier weather this summer,Surf Life Saving NSW geared up ahead of December by increasing the number of rescue jet skis and helicopters,and sending Sydney lifesavers to regional areas.

The organisation also increased drone technology and made more resuscitation equipment available to crews.

Pearce said he would never blame a parent for trying to save a drowning child,but urged them to use a flotation device in a rescue.

“You never see a lifesaver not take a rescue board or tube in with them when they perform a rescue,” he said.

“It just comes to the fact,if you are going to attempt a rescue,you need a flotation device,because when you get out to them,you need something to hang onto.”

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