Volunteer surf lifesavers return to North Queensland beaches beaches today
Surf lifesavers will raise the red and yellow flags for the first time in 2022 today, with the volunteer patrol season commencing tomorrow Saturday 2 April.
Volunteer surf lifesavers from Port Douglas, Ellis Beach, Cairns (Palm Cove), Etty Bay and Mission Beach Surf Life Saving Clubs will patrol each weekend from now until the final weekend of November.
In 2021, North Queensland lifesavers patrolled more than 6,700 hours, administered 170 first-aid treatments, performed 2,463 preventative actions, while saving the lives of four swimmers in distress.
Surf Life Saving Queensland North Queensland Regional Manager Jennifer Rees said the lifesavers were looking forward to returning to beaches on Saturday.
“Each year, our volunteer lifesavers ensure thousands of locals and tourists can safely enjoy the North Queensland coastline,” she said.
“They will be encouraging all visitors to the beach to swim between the red and yellow flags and inside the stinger nets.
“The safest place to swim at North Queensland beaches is between the nets.”
North Queensland clubs are on the lookout for more volunteer members and will again be holding their annual Member Sign-On Day on Sunday 15th May.
“There is something for everyone in lifesaving and our five clubs are on the lookout for new members,” Rees said.
“Please keep Sunday 15th May in your diary and drop down to your closest club to hear what membership options could be available for you.”