Surf patrols are braced for one of the busiest periods of the year on Sunshine Coast beaches.
Thousands of locals and visitors are expected to line the shores of the region during a hot and sunny Australia Day public holiday and into the weekend, while strong tides are present.
Sunshine Coast Surf Life Saving supervisor Shane Urban reiterated his plea for people to stay safe, after a woman died at Caloundra and a man went missing off Teewah Beach.
“The holidays bring people to the beaches who wouldn’t normally go there, so they don’t necessarily know the full context of the environment and location,” he said.
“There’s a public holiday on Thursday and some people could take an extended long weekend and go to beaches they don’t know, and we will still have those big tides happening.
“The beaches pose additional rips because of the movement.
“It’s an even more dangerous time to be swimming outside the flags.”
He said regular beachgoers should lead by example and swim in patrolled areas.
“Even if you are a local and you think it may be OK, they (visitors) could follow you in (to unpatrolled areas) and there are so many problems with that,” he said.
The honorary secretary for Ithaca Caloundra City Life Saving Club, Patricia Barry, said her club was braced for potential incidents.
“Australia Day is one of the busiest on the water for the volunteer lifesavers,” she said.
“Like Boxing Day, it’s one of those days when a large number of water accidents happen and we are in a king tide period, so this adds to potential dangers.
“We are expecting a very busy day, especially with the huge tides at the moment.”
She implored beachgoers to stay in the safest areas.
“Swim at a patrolled beach where help can arrive swiftly if it is needed.”
“It can take a lot of time for lifesavers or any emergency service to arrive at unpatrolled beaches to help you.
“If you’re caught in a rip, don’t try to swim against it, float and raise your arm to get help.
“Be aware of local tides and currents if you are SUP or kayaking, and remember that alcohol and water don’t mix.”
Ms Barry also urged people to be wary in lakes, rivers, creeks and swimming holes.
“Water accidents happen not just on the beach but on inland waterways as well,” she said.
“Most people don’t realise there are more drownings every year in inland waterways than in the sea.
“Last year, there was 34 per cent of drownings in inland waterways and 21 per cent on beaches (according to a Royal Life Saving Service drowning report).
“So boating, boarding and swimming in rivers and creeks etcetera can have their own dangers too.”
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