Surf safety a lifesaver during Easter long weekend

Rough autumn surf conditions have prompted a reminder to beachgoers that a dip in the ocean can be deadly if they aren’t swimming at patrolled beaches.

Following a summer of increased drownings in Queensland, thousands of volunteer surf lifesavers and professional lifeguards funded by Sunshine Coast Council, are bracing for what is expected to be another busy and challenging Easter long weekend.

Surf Life Saving Queensland Sunshine Coast Regional Operations Manager Aaron Purchase said swimming between the red and yellow flags was always the best way to stay safe at the beach.

“I can’t stress enough how important it is for anyone heading to the beach to only swim between the red and yellow flags during patrol hours where lifeguards and lifesavers can see them,” Mr Purchase said.

“If the conditions are extremely rough, as we have experienced recently, staying out of the water can be the best option, no matter how confident a swimmer you are.”

You can access the latest information about your local beach conditions, including lifeguard patrol status, weather, swell and tide conditions by downloading the Beachsafe app.

Volunteer surf lifesavers patrol at major Sunshine Coast beaches every weekend and on public holidays from 7am to 5pm from the September school holidays to early May. This vital service supports professional lifeguard patrols which occur year-round.

Council’s $5.8 million investment in lifeguard services this financial year provides 34 permanent lifeguards, two supervisors, a chief lifeguard and a casual pool of up to 96 lifeguards during peak season, across 22 patrolled beach locations, from North Coolum to Bulcock Beach.

It also provides our professional lifeguards with vital equipment they need to perform their duties including jet skis, rescue boards, flags and first aid kits.

Sunshine Coast areas patrolled by lifeguards include:

Tiering	Patrolled	Areas
Tier 1 – Major location	All year.	Kings Beach, Dicky Beach, Mooloolaba Main and Spit, Alexandra Headland, Maroochydore, Twin Waters, Mudjimba, Discovery Beach, Marcoola Beach and Coolum
Tier 2 – Seasonal service	Seven days a week between September to May. May to September weekends, school and public holidays.	Bulcock, Buddina/Kawana, Coolum North
Tier 3 – Weekend / holiday service	Weekends, school and public holidays September to May.	Currimundi
Tier 4 – Lower seasonal service	Weekends, school and public holidays from September to May.	Happy Valley (surveillance service), Boardwalk, Bokarina and Wurtulla
Tier 5 – Summer holiday service only	School holidays between September to May.	Kings Beach Pool,  Maroochy River Mouth and Yaroomba.