If you are heading to the beach this weekend you’re urged to prioritise safety, with the first full weekend of volunteer surf lifesaving patrols coinciding with the start of the September school holidays.
With more families expected to head to the coast during the holidays, Surf Life Saving Queensland (SLSQ) is reminding beachgoers to plan ahead, check local conditions and choose a patrolled beach where lifesavers are on hand.
Thousands of volunteer lifesavers will return to beaches from Gold Coast to North Barrier this weekend, joining those already in operation in North Queensland, providing an important layer of safety as families and holidaymakers make the most of the state’s coastline.
26 people died on the Queensland coast last summer….6 of those on Sunshine Coast beaches.
SLSQ General Manager of Emergency Management and Public Safety, Matt Thompson, said the combination of school holidays and recent changeable conditions meant our beaches will be busy.
“We’ve seen some windy conditions across parts of Queensland over the past week, and that can have an impact on what’s happening in the water,” he said.
“A beach can look quite different from one hour to the next, so it’s important to check the conditions when you arrive rather than relying on how the water looked yesterday or even earlier in the day.”
Mr Thompson said beachgoers should take advantage of the local knowledge of lifesavers and lifeguards throughout the school holidays.
“Our lifesavers are assessing the conditions throughout their patrols and are in the best position to provide advice about what is happening on the beach that day,” he said.
“Choosing a patrolled beach and staying between the red and yellow flags gives you the best opportunity to enjoy the water safely.”
SLSQ Beach Safety Tips
Swim at patrolled beaches between the red and yellow flags.
Check local beach and weather conditions before heading out.
Read and obey all safety signage.
Never swim alone.
Ask a lifesaver or lifeguard for advice if unsure about conditions.
Supervise children at all times near the water.
