Australian’s love a swim at the beach and the lifeguards in Sydney are considered among the best in the world.

In fact many of us would be hesitant to go swimming at the beach and would have serious second thoughts about letting our children swim if there wasn't any lifeguards on-hand to protect us.

But what many of you might not know is that some of Sydney’s most popular beaches, Bronte and Tamarama are not patrolled over the Winter months from the beginning of June until mid-September.

During this time, many rescues go on by local surfers, or off-duty lifeguards.

Many of these locals feel it will take a catastrophe before lifeguards are employed full-time at these beaches.

Matt Hogan has the story.