"That preventive work our members do is really making a difference and people are listening to the safety messages and staying safe."
Papamoa patrol captain Jackson Edwards, who worked as a paid guard at Mount Maunganui for eight weeks during the height of summer, said the season had been "one of the best" he could remember.
"Apart from the last few weeks we have had pretty good conditions," he said. "We haven't had the surf seen in other years so people can swim without too much trouble"
But Mr Jackson said surf lifesavers had been kept busy with "prevention work" and first aid.
"We have been really focused on keeping people safe and with things like cuts, grazes, sprains and broken bones."
Mount surf lifesavers were also kept busy working with St John staff to get injured people down off Mauao.
Mount Maunganui Lifeguard Service general manager Glenn Bradley said wet weather and settled sea conditions had meant a quieter start to the season than normal.
"We have been busier the last couple of months when we got some really good swells," he said.
"The IRB has been out a number of times recently and we have had some close calls, but overall people are really getting the message to swim between the flags and come and seek advice regarding beach conditions."
Mr Bradley said it was hard to believe the season was wrapping up after the weekend, when temperatures rose to 27.9C.
"But it is, and now it is time for us to reflect on a season well done," he said.
Mr Mundy said surf lifesavers were now looking forward to spending time at the beach with their own families.
"Your wife and kids can be at the beach visiting you but during the season you are really on, really focused," he said.
"It will be nice for everyone to get down here and just relax themselves, especially as it looks like we have a few really good weeks left this summer."
Surf Lifesaving New Zealand is expected to release final figures from the season this week, including how many rescues lifeguards were involved in.