"We have four patrol teams at the moment but we're hoping to increase that to five in time for the start of the season on Saturday September 27,'' president Ben Stevenson explained.

Mr Stevenson was elected to the position at the annual meeting in April. For the first time in two years the club is out of administration.

Surf Life Saving NSW placed the club in administration after disputes between fractions within the club virtually made it inoperable.

Mr Stevenson admits it was a difficult time. However, he is optimistic about the club's future.

"We have a new executive in place now and we're meeting regularly,'' he said.

"There are eight positions on the executive and all have been filled. We're working well together for the good of the club.''

The club has successfully gained a State government grant with the assistance of member for Myall Lakes Stephen Bromhead to repair the roof at the clubhouse.

Mr Stevenson added the club currently has members training for various awards and they will eventually filter into the patrol rounds.

"We want five patrol teams by the start of the season and then we'll look to build that number to six, seven and more,'' he said.

"The more patrols we have the less burden it becomes.''

Lower North Coast clubs and those from other parts of the State have assisted Old Bar in patrolling the beach in the past two summers. Mr Stevenson said it is a goal of the club to become less-reliant on this assistance, but adds they will probably need some help next season.

"Nobby's Head have already contacted me about a weekend in January and they're looking forward to coming up here,'' he said.

Mr Stevenson said the club will also be looking to bolster the numbers in the nipper ranks.

"I don't think we'll have any trouble attracting the kids,'' he said.

"But we will need help from parents to run water safety programs and to act as age managers.''

Erosion has been a massive problem at Old Bar for a number of years, however, Mr Stevenson described the present conditions as 'brilliant.'

"There's plenty of sand there - it's the best it's been for years,'' he said.

The ramp leading down the beach from the clubhouse was badly eroded at the start of the last surfing season, meaning it was closed for much of the summer. This caused the club enormous problems for the club in getting patrol gear to the beach.

Remedial work was carried out towards the end of the season and Mr Stevenson said this seems to have worked.

"Obviously we monitor it, but everything is fine at the moment,'' he said.

Old Bar will take registrations on Saturday September 19 while the club will take part in a State-wide open day on Sunday October 18.

"It's also our turn to hold the ) branch championships in February,'' he explained.

"That's one of our goals - to run a successful carnival and we'll be seeking input from the community to ensure we do that.''