Weekend patrols of St Clair, St Kilda, Warrington, Brighton and Kaka Point beaches began on October 30, and weekday patrols of the beaches started on Monday.
Otago and Southland club development officer Steph Laughton said lifeguards would patrol the five beaches from 11am to 7pm Mondays-Fridays, and noon-5pm on Saturdays, Sundays and statutory holidays.
Weekday patrols continue until January 28, and weekend patrols until March 5, excluding Boxing Day at St Kilda.
Miss Laughton stressed the importance of swimming between the flags, listening to lifeguards, putting your hand up if you get into trouble and being sun smart.
Sealions had also been making frequent appearances on beaches around Dunedin, so she asked people to "be aware of them", leave them alone, and keep at least 10m away from them.
