Returning to their stations are Mike McAuliffe and Brendan La Mar, who will be joined by long-time local Douglas Cooney.

Starting on Thursday, December 18 the patrols will go from 10am to 6pm daily until April 27.

Augusta-Margaret River Shire Recreation Services Manager Cameron Agnew says the appointed lifeguards will also conduct beach safety and awareness educational initiatives.

“There will be information boards on the beach with messages updated daily about rips, currents, sandbanks and other details swimmers and surfers need to be aware of,” Mr Agnew said.

This season the shire will buy new equipment for the lifeguards, including a defibrillator.

“In the event of an emergency the defibrillator can be used at the scene to automatically administer a shock to the patient which could help revive their heart,” Mr Agnew said.

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The lifeguards all hold Surf Bronze Medallions, Advanced Lifeguard Certificates, Spinal Management Certificates, Senior First Aid and Advanced Resuscitation.

Surf Lifesaving WA will be conducting training with the lifeguards and auditing their service on a regular basis to ensure the Shire’s systems and processes meet national standards.

Senior beach lifeguard Mr McAuliffe said he had a great team and was looking forward to the summer ahead.

“We had a very positive response from the community to the program last season and we wish to build on it this summer,” he said.