Surf Lifesavers have been kept busy over the festive season, with a whopping 1.6 million people flocking to Queensland beaches over the popular Christmas and New Year period.
From Christmas Day until Sunday 4 January, volunteer lifesavers conducted 276 rescues statewide, with 89% of those conducted outside of flagged patrol areas.
On the Gold Coast, 56 people had to be rescued after close to 280,000 locals and tourists visited our sand.
The number of rescues is a rise on last season, with SLSQ General Manager of Public Safety Matt Thompson putting it down to larger crowds enjoying the holiday period combined with the challenging conditions.
Mr Thompson urged beachgoers to plan their visits around patrolled locations as the school holidays continue for the rest of the month.
“Our lifesavers and lifeguards have navigated severe wet weather in the north to sunny and changeable conditions in the south-east, as locals and tourists flocked to the coastline for the festive period,” he said.
“We are extremely grateful to their efforts throughout this challenging period and averting tragedy with 89% of rescues outside the flags.
“With almost one million people visiting Queensland beaches across the three public holidays and following weekends alone, it’s a timely reminder as school holidays continue and Australia Day draws near, that conditions can change quickly and even confident swimmers can find themselves caught out,” Thompson continued.
“We encourage everyone to choose patrolled beaches, swim between the red and yellow flags and keep a close eye on children and weaker swimmers, because those simple decisions can prevent serious incidents and save lives.”
