Beach rescues at several popular northern suburbs swimming spots have reached a shocking all-time high, sparking an urgent warning from lifeguards.

The City of Stirling’s beach services team performed an unprecedented 374 rescues in the month of December alone – more than usually seen in an entire year.

The City of Stirling’s beach services team performed an unprecedented 374 rescues in December alone, sparking warnings from lifeguards. Credit: Nine News Perth.

Stirling – the only local government in Western Australia providing its own beach patrols 365 days a year – employs four full-time beach inspectors and up to 16 casual lifeguards who bolster these patrols from the September school holidays to the end of April.

The city manages 7km of coastline, reserves and surf beaches from Peasholm Street Dog Beach to Watermans Bay, including the popular snorkel destination Mettams pool.