Lifeguards and volunteer lifesavers are bracing for a busy Easter holidays, when extra services will be deployed on Sunshine Coast beaches, including at one ‘hot spot’.
Hundreds of thousands of people are set to converge on the region’s famed stretches of sand during the school break, when near-perfect weather conditions are expected.
It’s hoped there will be no repeat of the summer holidays, when two people died after being pulled from the surf, at Caloundra and Peregian, and a search was scaled back for a man missing off Teewah.
Sunshine Coast lifesaving services co-ordinator Shane Urban said beaches should be packed.
“We’re looking forward to beautiful weather and water conditions for Easter and we expect our beaches to be fantastic, so we are planning for a large number of bathers,” he said.
“We’ll have a full complement of lifeguards and volunteer lifesaver patrols, especially during the long weekend.”
He said there would be more services, including at a usually unpatrolled beach, where several people have required help during the past year.
“We will use additional lifeguard services in some hot spots, especially Happy Valley,” he said.
“We maintain that area is not a safe bathing area.
“We won’t put the flags up, but we will work with council to provide additional lifeguard services there. We’ve identified the need for surveillance there.”
One woman was unable to be revived there in January.
“There will be someone signing on there, from about 8am to 5pm, as surveillance. We are discouraging people from swimming there,” Mr Urban said.
Mr Urban also cautioned board riders and people who attempt to walk across the sand bar at Happy Valley.
There will also be surveillance at Noosa West.
And there will be increased operations of drones at beaches that require extra observation.
State government SharkSmart drones will also be in operation. Their operators will keep an eye on what’s under the water and they can monitor people in the water.
There is also likely to be additional flights from the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service, “particularly for the long stretch of beach from Noosa to Double Island Point”.
“It’s a challenging area, where there is no constant surveillance and there are flash rips on a regular basis, and some people make poor choices swimming there,” Mr Urban said.
There is one roving lifeguard service there.
“But it’s a massive, long beach,” Mr Urban said. “Please don’t put yourself at risk.”
A search was scaled back for a man at Teewah Beach in January.
Mr Urban urged all Sunshine Coast beachgoers to be vigilant and to swim between the red and yellow flags.
“If we can’t see you, we can’t save you,” he said.
“Even if you’re a local and you understand your beach and you feel confident, there are folks who could see you in the water and think it’s a good place to swim and they may follow you in.
“And remember alcohol and saltwater is not a good cocktail. If you’re going to have a couple of refreshments, please don’t swim afterwards.
“And never swim alone.”
