When the Waters Rise, So Do We: How Lifesavers in North Queensland Became Local Heroes

Floodwaters don’t wait for patrol hours. And lifesaving doesn’t stop at the shoreline.

In the wake of severe flooding across North Queensland, the Forrest Beach Surf Life Saving Club proved that the red and yellow uniform stands for more than beach safety—it represents resilience, leadership, and community in action.

Volunteering That Goes Beyond the Beach
Fifteen-year-old Junior Club Captain Jett Reid and his team weren’t preparing for a typical patrol. Instead, they were waist-deep in floodwaters, performing welfare checks and assisting evacuations. They used their IRB (Inflatable Rescue Boat) to reach isolated homes, helping vulnerable residents—including the elderly—find safety.

“It’s in moments like these that you realise how much your training in surf lifesaving prepares you for life’s unexpected challenges,” Jett shared.

In one rescue, Jett’s team safely evacuated two elderly locals trapped by rising water. For them, lifesaving meant much more than flags and sand—it meant hope.

Three Ways Lifesavers Help in Crisis

1. Training in action: First aid, rescue operations, and calm under pressure are put to the test in real emergencies.

2. Community trust: Lifesavers are familiar, reliable faces in their towns—people listen when they arrive.

3. Teamwork and resilience: The emotional toll of natural disasters is real, but volunteers rally together, support each other, and rebuild side by side.

A Community That Sticks Together
Forrest Beach SLSC didn’t stop at rescues. They cleared debris, ran barbecues, and created safe spaces for people to reconnect. The club became a symbol of strength after the storm—showing that surf lifesaving isn’t just about summer. It’s about showing up, year-round.

Ready to Rise with Us?
Volunteering with a surf club gives you life skills that matter in and out of the water. You’ll learn how to lead in a crisis, stay calm under pressure, and support your community through the toughest times.

Be more than a bystander—be someone your community can count on.

Join your local surf life saving club today and discover the power of purpose in the surf.