Around 8000 local surf lifesavers will patrol the Hunter's beaches from Tea Gardens to Catherine Hill Bay.

Last season, volunteers from Hunter Surf Lifesaving dedicated 52,676 hours overseeing the safety of 565,676 community members, performing 146 rescues and tending first aid to 649.

Representatives from Hunter Surf Life Saving and Newcastle Permanent gathered at the weekend to officially open the season.

Henry Scruton, President at Hunter Surf Lifesaving said despite recent obstacles presented by COVID-19, his team is equipped and ready for the upcoming summer months.

Spending time at the beach is a way of life for many Novocastrians. Our dedicated team has worked tirelessly to develop the necessary COVID safety plans that will allow our beaches to stay open and safe this summer, he said.

Newcastle Permanent Chief Customer Experience Delivery Office, Paul Juergens said the organisation was proud to continue their long-standing partnership with Hunter Surf Lifesaving which is now in its 38th year.

As a customer-owned organisation, were passionate about supporting local community groups and organisations that help make our community great.

Our ongoing partnership with Hunter Surf Lifesaving is an integral part of our community sponsorship and one which has been built on a strong foundation of shared values and commitment to the community."

Newcastle Permanent supports Surf Life Saving from the Central Coast to the Queensland border through its partnerships with the six regional Surf Life Saving branches, including Central Coast, Lower North Coast, Mid North Coast, North Coast and Far North Coast SLS clubs.

Every year, Newcastle Permanent invests more than $1.5 million through its community partnerships, staff donations, volunteering and fundraising, all of which helps families across regional NSW to lead happy, healthy and active lives.