What would you give to save a life? That’s the question Surf Life Saving Queensland will be putting out to the public as the annual Queensland Lifesavers appeal kicks off this weekend for 2021.
The Queensland Lifesavers Appeal, Surf Life Saving Queensland’s only fundraising appeal for the year, will raise money for Surf Life Saving Queensland’s 57 clubs.
Funds raised go directly towards vital lifesaving equipment and resources, and training for members. This year, our goal is to raise $500,000 after raising $388,000 in 2020.
Volunteer members will be fundraising in their communities across Queensland from Saturday, October 9, to Sunday, October 17, so please support in any way that you can.
The average beach patrol setup comes in at approximately $80,000. This includes all the big, more recognisable things, like the Inflatable Rescue Boats, 4WD vehicles and the smaller items, such as radios, signage and first aid equipment.
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Last year, Met Caloundra SLSC led the way for fundraising in the state and have set themselves an ambitious goal of raising $100,000.
Two of their members, Andrew Kwintowski and Tom Crozier will be completing the “Mets Endurance Test 48” by running four miles every four hours over 48 hours to spearhead their fundraising push.
To donate to surf lifesaving online visit: qldlifesaversappeal.raisely.com
Clear skies and temps in the high 20s will make the beaches an enticing prospect this weekend.
However, north-easterly winds are expected to peak at over 20 knots through the middle portion of the day, which will make conditions choppy and messy.
With those winds Kings Beach, which faces predominately south, will be the pick of the spots due to its protection.
The surf will be predominately from the east in the 0.5m to 0.75m range.
We’ve got quite a large tidal range this weekend, which means that there will be some strong currents around as the tide runs out to low. Low tide will be 4pm on Saturday and 4.5pm on Sunday, so please be mindful of these stronger currents and rips in the few hours preceding these times.
Enjoy the weekend and as always enjoy the beach and make sure you swim only between the red and yellow flags!
Aaron Purchase is Surf Life Saving Queensland’s regional manager for the Sunshine Coast. His column in sunshinecoastnews.com.au keeps the community informed of what’s happening on the beach and offers tips on how to stay safe.
