Redland City Council and Surf Life Saving Queensland are supporting the summer safety message by donating two surf rescue boards to local surf lifesaving clubs.
Council Deputy Mayor Alan Beard was joined by Des Kerr from Surf Life Saving Queensland to present the rescue boards to Point Lookout and Coochiemudlo volunteer surf lifesaving groups today.
“Queensland is known for its beaches, so as we move into the summer holiday season it is important we keep beach safety in mind,” he said.
“The Redlands is a city of islands, and while our beaches provide residents and visitors with plenty of fun and enjoyment, they can also be dangerous.
“Last year saw a significant increase in visitors to Redlands beaches and with it an increase in the number of rescues that were performed.
“The most popular area for beach goers in the Redlands is North Stradbroke Island (NSI), with more than 100,000 people visiting Straddie beaches last December and January.
“Over this same period SLSQ surf lifesavers and lifeguards were kept busy, performing more than 60 rescues and in excess of 1,200 first aid responses on Straddie, which shows our beaches can be as dangerous as they are beautiful.
Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said with the prediction of a hot summer this year there was likely to be an increase in beach visits, meaning it was even more important for swimmers to swim between the flags and stay safe.
“The donation of these rescue boards to local volunteer lifesaving clubs at Point Lookout and Coochiemudlo Island will help combat these dangers,” Cr Williams said.
“Council also provides more than $400,000 per year to Surf Life Saving Queensland to supply life guard services on North Stradbroke Island all year and they do a fantastic job.”
SLSQ member services manager, and Coochiemudlo SLSC president, Des Kerr expressed his thanks for the donation and ongoing support.
“As a not-for-profit organisation, Surf Life Saving Queensland relies heavily on the support of our partners and members of the public,” he said.
“This donation will certainly help as we strive towards achieving our overall vision of zero preventable deaths on Queensland beaches.
“As we move into the peak holiday period, I’d like to remind all beachgoers to take care in the surf this summer and only swim between the red and yellow flags.
“Always remember – if lifesavers can’t see you, they can’t save you.”
