Local beachgoers in safe hands as the weather heats up

Sunshine Coast Council has injected a record $5.7 million into lifeguard services this financial year to ensure our residents and visitors are kept safe across our region’s beaches.

It comes as the official volunteer patrol season (September to May) kicks off this Saturday, September 18, in line with the start of the September school holidays.

Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Mark Jamieson said council was firmly committed to continuing its support to lifeguard services across the region.

“In January alone more than 1.2 million people visited our Sunshine Coast beaches, and lifeguards performed 143 rescues and 770 first-aid actions,” Mayor Jamieson said.

“Our beaches are one of the most popular areas in our region, which reinforces why it is crucial we support the invaluable services provided by our lifeguards so that everyone can enjoy a safe experience.

“We have more than 20 locations across our Sunshine Coast patrolled by highly skilled lifeguards and lifesavers throughout the season.

“The message is simple. Play it safe and swim between the red and yellow flags every time you go to the beach.”

Surf Life Saving Queensland Sunshine Coast Regional Operations Manager Aaron Purchase urged people to check beach conditions before going for a swim.

“Our volunteer surf lifesavers and professional lifeguards have had one of their most challenging seasons as domestic visitors flocked to local beaches due to COVID-19 travel restrictions,” Mr Purchase said.

“We have seen a significant increase in people getting into trouble at our beaches.

“Alarmingly, the majority of rescues and drownings have been outside flagged areas or patrol hours.

“We may think we know the ocean but the safest place for anyone to swim is between the red and yellow flags during patrol hours.

“We are expecting our beaches to be absolutely packed again this summer, so please help us by following surf lifesavers and lifeguards’ advice.”

Council is working with local Surf Life Saving Clubs and the Compass Institute to make Sunshine Coast beaches more accessible and inclusive. Beach matting, wheelchairs and life jackets are available to use at no charge. For more information please visit https://www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/Living-and-Community/Community-Support/Access-inclusion-and-disability/Accessible-beach-program

Remember to:

Always swim between the red and yellow flags;
Check beach conditions before swimming;
Learn beach safety rules regarding rips, stingers and sun safety.

For detailed patrol times and locations please visit the Beach Safe website.

Sunshine Coast patrolled areas include:


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