Heavy-duty patrols: visitors numbers keep red-and-yellow army on its toes

Sunshine Coast surf lifesavers and lifeguards had their work cut out for themselves over the busiest beach period on our regional calendar, with astronomical numbers of visitors recorded.

Surf Life Saving Queensland figures show a total of 858,955 visits to our golden patrolled sands from December 23 to January 1 – more than three times as many as the Gold Coast.

The welcome numbers are equivalent to more than the populations of Tasmania and Cairns combined heading for some sun, surf and sand from Rainbow Beach to Redcliffe over the short festive period.

And beachgoers behaved themselves in the water, too, considering those eye-watering numbers.

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Lifesavers throughout the 15 branch clubs performed a total of 49 rescues, took 7731 preventative actions and completed 1147 first-aid treatments across those 10 days.

Surf Life Saving Queensland general manager – lifesaving and education Peta Lawlor said the role surf lifesavers and lifeguards performed should never be underestimated.

“While most people are enjoying some time off at this time of year, surf lifesavers and lifeguards are on patrol – many of them taking time away from their family and friends to keep the community safe,” she said.

“Beaches will continue to be popular throughout the month of January, so please keep yourself and your family safe by only swimming between the red and yellow flags at patrolled beaches.”

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Following recent heavy rain, swimmers are also reminded to avoid areas that may be affected by stormwater run-off.

“It’s common after periods of adverse weather to see debris flowing in and from creeks and rivers,” Ms Lawlor said.

“This can make waterways dangerous and it is best to avoid these areas until conditions return to normal.”

Surf Life Saving Queensland statewide numbers 
Total rescues: 285
Total preventative actions: 41,378
Number of visitors to Queensland beaches: 1,549,759
First-aid treatments: 2461

Regional breakdown
Sunshine Coast 
Total rescues: 49
Total preventative actions: 7731
Number of visitors to Sunshine Coast beaches: 858,955
First-aid treatments: 1147

Gold Coast 
Total rescues: 85
Total preventative actions: 10,155
Number of visitors to Gold Coast beaches: 267,580
First-aid treatments: 266

Brisbane
Total rescues: 143
Total preventative actions: 13,440
Number of visitors to Brisbane beaches: 213,251
First-aid treatments: 589

Wide Bay Capricorn 
Total rescues: 2
Total preventative actions: 3315
Number of visitors to WBC beaches: 70,772
First-aid treatments: 275

North Barrier 
Total rescues: 2
Total preventative actions: 4210
Number of visitors to North Barrier beaches: 61,689
First-aid treatments: 97

North Queensland 
Total rescues: 4
Total preventative actions: 2527
Number of visitors to NQ beaches: 77,512
First-aid treatments: 87