A camera has been installed at a Sunshine Coast beach to monitor swimmer safety, five months after the lifeguard patrol there came to an end.
A solar-powered camera on a yellow surf lifesaving trailer has been parked at beach access 248 at Wurtulla since October 10.
Surf Life Saving Queensland Sunshine Coast regional manager Aaron Purchase said the set-up was an emergency response trailer that was positioned at locations regarded as potential risks.
“The trailer is currently positioned in locations that have been identified as presenting potential risks to public safety,” Mr Purchase said.
“Before determining its next location, we carefully evaluate a variety of factors to ensure the trailer is placed in the most suitable and safe environment for the community.”
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Wurtulla used to have a manned lifeguard tower on weekends, public holidays and school holidays from the start of September until the May Day long weekend, but finished earlier this year.
A Lifeguard Services Plan for 2023-28 by SLSQ and Sunshine Coast Council recommended the service be wound back and the funds moved to boost lifeguard services two beach accesses north at Bokarina.
The plan says development at Bokarina by Stockland and west of the Nicklin Way is likely to lead to more beach visitations at that beach.
Mr Purchase said the trailer had an emergency call point linked to a call centre to allow for the quick deployment of lifeguards from nearby services in the event of an emergency.
“Cameras combined with emergency call points enable SLSQ more situational awareness on beaches, which aids in effectively deploying our services and providing faster responses to emergencies,” he said.
Wurtulla resident Ashley Robinson, who was concerned when the lifeguard service was pulled from the beach, suggested the camera might be useful in monitoring numbers using the beach.
“That does tell me that they’re under investigation,” he said.
“How many people are going to be going there during the week when the tradies take up all of the spaces at Bokarina Beach? Naturally, they’re going to go there.”
Mr Robinson said the camera did not make up for having a lifeguard on the beach when every minute counted during a rescue.
“The lifeguards are doing a great job but it does take a while for them to make it from Bokarina to Wurtulla,” he said.
“The cameras will pick up a person but that message has to be sent back to the surf club and then someone has to run down and jump on an ATV.
“It will be the public rescuing people.”
Addressing a question about reinstating a lifeguard service, Mr Purchase said SLSQ “continually reviewed service levels with key stakeholders and contract partners to utilise our available resources to provide maximum community benefit”.
Mr Purchase said the trailer would remain in place for a trial period.
“SLSQ will evaluate its effectiveness during this time, and consider a permanent solution in consultation with key stakeholders and contract partners,” he said.
Mr Purchase said the camera had been located at access 248 in collaboration with the Sunshine Coast Council for effective monitoring and also with sensitivity to the behaviours of local wildlife.
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