Swim safely – Surf Lifesaving season begins
We love our beaches. They're at the heart of our lifestyle, drawing locals and visitors alike to the sand and surf as the weather warms up.
Australian Lifeguard Service
While heading to the beach for a swim, to relax, or create holiday memories – the rush to cool off can sometimes mean we miss important signs and warnings that, unfortunately, could place us in grave danger.
Last year, more than 6.9 million people visited Sunshine Coast beaches, with lifeguards and lifesavers performing 600 rescues, 105,727 preventative actions and 3,814 first aid treatments.
Always swim between the flags
Sunshine Coast Council-funded professional lifeguards, supported by thousands of dedicated volunteer lifesavers, patrol our beaches with one shared mission: zero preventable deaths.
Enjoying our beaches safely starts with understanding the conditions.
Stop, Look and Stay Alive. The national campaign urges people to Stop before they enter the water, Look for the red and yellow flags to swim between and for any signs and warnings, and Stay Alive by assessing whether they have the ability to tackle the prevailing conditions, not going in alone and only entering the water if it’s safe.
Behind the scenes of beach safety
Sunshine Coast Council's annual $7.5 million investment in lifeguarding services helps keep our beaches safe, supporting year-round patrols across the coastline and providing access to vital rescue equipment and resources.
More than 140 professional lifeguards work across permanent, part-time and casual positions, patrolling 21 beach locations from Coolum in the north to Bulcock Beach in Caloundra. Their expertise, local knowledge and rapid response capability play a vital role in preventing incidents and assisting beachgoers when conditions change.
Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said the region's beaches were one of our greatest natural assets and provided countless opportunities for recreation, exercise and connection with nature.
“We love our beaches and so do the millions of people who visit the Sunshine Coast each year,” Mayor Natoli said.
“That's why Sunshine Coast Council invests in year-round lifeguard services and vital equipment including jet skis, all-terrain vehicles, rescue boards, flags, first aid kits and portable surveillance cameras for high-risk locations.
“Our partnership with Surf Life Saving Queensland helps ensure residents and visitors can enjoy our beaches with confidence, knowing experienced lifeguards are on hand to provide guidance, support and emergency response when needed."
A shared commitment to beach safety
Surf Life Saving Queensland Sunshine Coast Regional Operations Manager Aaron Purchase said the organisation's long-standing partnership with Sunshine Coast Council played a vital role in helping keep locals and visitors safe along the region's coastline.
"Council's ongoing investment ensures our lifeguards and volunteer lifesavers have the equipment and resources needed to respond when it matters most," Mr Purchase said.
"As we head into another busy beach season, we're encouraging everyone to take a safety-first approach before entering the water.
"The best thing you can do is stop, look and assess. Check the conditions, understand the risks and make informed decisions based on your experience and ability.
"Our lifeguards and volunteer lifesavers are there to help, but personal responsibility plays a crucial role in preventing incidents.
"A few moments spent assessing the beach could make all the difference to your day and potentially save a life."
The 2026-27 volunteer surf lifesaving season begins on September 18, in time for the school holidays, and runs until early May 2027.
Sunshine Coast beaches are patrolled by volunteer lifesavers every weekend and public holiday from 7am to 5pm during the summer season, with extended hours to 6pm through the busy Christmas period. This vital service complements year-round lifeguard patrols.
Mayor Natoli said Council thanks the hundreds of volunteer lifesavers who generously give their time to help keep our beaches safe.
“Your commitment, dedication and community spirit are an invaluable part of the Sunshine Coast lifestyle . It’s what makes heading to the beach a truly iconic experience,” Mayor Natoli said.
Patrolled beach locations
| Tier | Patrol Hours Range from 7am to 6pm Depending on Beach Location and Season | Areas |
| Tier 1 – Major location | All year. | Kings Beach, Dicky Beach, Mooloolaba Main and Spit, Alexandra Headland, Maroochydore, Twin Waters, Mudjimba, Discovery Beach and Coolum |
| Tier 2 – Seasonal service | Seven days a week between September holidays to May, plus weekends, school and public holidays during winter. | Happy Valley, Bokarina, Buddina/Kawana, Marcoola, Coolum North |
| Tier 3 – Weekend / holiday service | Weekends, school and public holidays all year. | Currimundi |
| Tier 4 – Lower seasonal service | Weekends, school and public holidays from September to May. | Bulcock, Boardwalk (Mount Coolum) and Maroochy River Mouth |
| Tier 5 – Summer holiday service only | School holidays between September to May. | Yaroomba Beach and Kings Beach Pool* |
*November to February