Due to low numbers of surf lifesavers, the Whyalla Surf Life Saving Club can only patrol on Sundays.

Club president and chief instructor Carolyn Yates said the club used to patrol Saturdays and Sundays, but could now only patrol Sundays.

The club also used to patrol at Point Lowly, but that now depended on member numbers.

At the moment the club has five qualified patrol guards and ideally the club needs at least another six.

She said if there were more guards, it would mean guards would have less shifts which would prevent them from burning out.

Lifeguards are not only needed for water safety, but also first aid if someone cut their foot on broken glass or people become dehydrated from heat.

Mrs Yates said to become a qualified lifeguard, members needed to receive their bronze medal.

She said although there were members currently in training, it would still be a while before they received bronze medals.

Depending on the person's abilities, Mrs Yates said people would take about two months including theory and practical lessons to qualify for bronze.

She said although the numbers were low, the club had been grateful for volunteers helping with training on Sundays.

She said people who weren't qualified could still help set up and assist on the day.

Mrs Yates has been with the club since the year 2000 and said she enjoys it because of the people she had met and the friends she had made.

The qualification also gets a member nationally recognised with certificate II in public safety and aquatic rescue.

She said it was also rewarding to train juniors and watch them progress.