12 Tips of Christmas: Only enter the water during patrolled hours

As the weather continues to warm up and beach visitation numbers increase, surf lifesavers are pleading with swimmers to stay out of the water outside patrol hours.

Lifesaving Services Manager Peta Lawlor urged beachgoers to put their safety first these holidays.

“If there is no one on duty and you do get into trouble, it may be some time before help is able to get to you,” she said.

“Throughout the holiday period we have lifesavers on extended patrols from 7am to 6pm so there is plenty of time to go for a swim during those times.

“We want everyone to be able to enjoy the water and head home safely to their friends and family.”

During December 2019 and January 2020 lifesavers responded to eight calls afterhours across South East Queensland beaches.

Ms Lawlor said that an elite group of volunteer lifesavers are on standby, ready to respond at all times.

“Our emergency response group members undergo extensive training and are on standby to respond to afterhours callouts,” she said.

“They can respond to a variety of jobs including swimmers in distress, searches and capsized boats.

“Majority of their taskings are at night which makes it incredibly difficult given the limited visibility.”

SLSQ reminds everyone to maintain 1.5 metres social distancing when visiting the beach this summer.  

“She’ll be right, won’t save your life.” Be a legend not a hero this summer by swimming between the red and yellow flags.