By John Kidman in Sydney

Thousands of volunteer lifesavers are hitting the sand ahead of what experts fear could be one of their most difficult summers on record.

Forecast hot NSW weekend conditions are expected to draw large crowds as the iconic red and yellow flags go up.

The patrol season runs until late April.

Volunteers have been armed with upgraded equipment including jet skis, drones and emergency response beacons to help crews respond to someone in distress.

The state government is also investing $50 million in drone-based surveillance as part of a $120 million shark management program.

More than 70 drones will operate, covering more than 90 beaches.

The expanded coverage includes longer surveillance hours over the NSW spring school holidays.

Two new Tagged Shark Listening Stations have also been installed in Sydney Harbour and will provide real-time notifications through the SharkSmart app when a tagged shark is detected nearby.

The plan follows a great white shark attack on a woman swimming between the flags at Sydney’s popular Coogee Beach in June.

Teacher Leah Stewart, 34, was critically injured and later had her arm amputated following the mauling.

Nico Antic, 12, was fatally attacked by a shark while swimming with friends near a popular beach at Vaucluse, in Sydney’s east, in January.

Surfer Mercury Psillakis, 57, died after being bitten by a shark at Long Reef beach, in the city’s north, in September 2025.

Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib says lifesavers are again urging swimmers to stay between the flags, follow directions and check conditions before entering the water.

“The return of the red and yellow flags is a sure sign that summer is on its way and a reminder of the extraordinary work of our dedicated Surf Life Saving volunteers,” he said on Saturday.

“Our Surf Life Saving volunteers give their time to protect others, respond to emergencies and help ensure people return home safely to their families.”

Surf Life Saving NSW chief executive Steve Pearce said the summer was expected to be “one of the most challenging patrol seasons in recent years”.

“Hot and dry conditions are likely to draw large crowds to our beaches, increasing the demand on our volunteer patrols and rescue services,” he said.

“We must also recognise the potential for increased shark activity during warmer months, reinforcing the need for vigilance on our beaches.”

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