Recent data from Surf Life Saving Australia shows a concerning trend: public holidays, especially between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day, as well as the Australia Day long weekend, account for 27% of summer coastal drowning deaths.
As crowds flock to Queensland’s beaches during these peak times, the role of volunteer surf lifesavers becomes more critical than ever.
Why Volunteer Surf Lifesavers Are Essential
- Increased beach attendance: Public holidays bring larger, often less experienced crowds to the beach.
- Diverse visitors: Many beachgoers may be unfamiliar with ocean safety or local conditions.
- Unpredictable surf: Conditions can change quickly, and trained lifesavers are needed to manage risk and respond fast.
Volunteer surf lifesavers don’t just respond to emergencies—they prevent them. Last summer alone, volunteers performed over 1.31 million preventative actions and rescued more than 5,500 people around the country.
The Impact of Volunteering
Volunteering with Surf Life Saving Queensland (SLSQ) is about more than putting on a red and yellow uniform. It’s about:
- Gaining real skills: First aid, CPR, rescue techniques, communication, leadership, and more.
- Building community: Lifesaving connects you to a team with a shared purpose.
- Making a difference: Every shift helps protect lives and reduce drownings.
Why We Need You
As public holidays approach, the need for volunteer patrols increases. Whether you’re new to lifesaving or thinking about returning, your time and commitment could help prevent tragedy.
Ready to Make a Difference?
Join Surf Life Saving Queensland and become part of the team that keeps our coastline safe—especially when it matters most.
Your decision to volunteer could save a life.