Poor summer weather in Whanganui had a "huge effect" on surf life saving at the city's two patrolled beaches.
Whanganui's Surf Life Saving Club chairman, James Newell said that this season has been the "worst season" in terms of weather for the surf life saving team.
With windy day after windy day, there were not as many people enjoying the beaches in Whanganui, he said.
Kai Iwi Beach had more visitors this season compared to Castlecliff Beach.
"The weather this surf life saving season has had a huge effect on the number of people visiting Kai Iwi and Castlecliff beaches.
"The wind kept people away from Castlecliff Beach because it is an open area. Kai Iwi Beach is a more covered area so we had people at Kai Iwi in the shelters, staying out of the cold" said Mr Newell.
The volunteer surf live saving patrols around the country started in Labour Weekend and traditionally end at Easter, though this can vary.
Each season starts with a lot of preparation to make beaches safer for surfers and swimmers Mr Newell said.
"The team prepares before hand to make sure there are no major incidents."
This year there were some rescues but no major rescues.
He said this season the surf life saving team had just enough volunteers to get them through this season.
"We would like more volunteers next season, especially more adults to help organise and run the club" Mr Newell said.
He said the club highly appreciates the support they receive from the Whanganui District Council and said the club's relationship with the council is "fantastic.
"The relationship with the Whanganui council helps us a lot as a club."
Surf Life Saving New Zealand national leader Allan Mundy said the country experienced water temperatures around five degrees cooler this summer than last year.
He said it kept many people out of the water and out of danger.
Mr Mundy is warning swimmers and surfers to be cautious at beaches with life guards no longer present.
"With the beaches no longer being patrolled, people really need to stop and think carefully before they enter the water," he said.
*Jovanna Penn-Reina is doing work experience at Wanganui Chronicle.