Update as at 7:30am Saturday 8th March 2025

Gold Coast: No services Saturday and Sunday 8-9 March

Sunshine Coast:

TC Alfred has now been downgraded to a Low and is still tracking through the southern part of our region. As the system has been downgraded so too have the associated risks with wind which were a key trigger for reducing our service levels. The forecasts are now below the thresholds that had been identified. There still exists a number of warnings and I would encourage you all to continue to follow these on the BOM website as they update.  The severe weather warning current indicates the chances of heavy rainfall that could lead to localised flooding however the main concern is to the southern side of the systems track.

There remains a coastal hazard warning in place between Noosa and Coolangatta. We the chance of a damaging north easterly swell developing through today but will likely dissipate quickly.

Our 8 Lifeguard team will commence duty at 7:30am and will rove to priority areas. As the risks to our members have reduced significantly it is requested that Clubs between Noosa move to provide minimum patrol strength at their beach as soon as possible. Note please only utilise local members to minimise travel for our members. Once able to attend the beach please sign on in LIMSOC as usual. A JotForm will be circulated to collate information on beach conditions and access issues.

Beaches will remain closed today and a decision regarding the status for tomorrow will be made either late this afternoon or tomorrow and communicated as soon as possible. Emergency response teams that Club have on standby are requested to remain on standby.

This is subject to further change should the forecast change. The safety of our members is paramount, so please ensure only members who can safely attend patrols do so.

Beach Operations for Saturday 8th March (blanket beach closure will remain in force to remain consistent with SEQ Government messaging):

• Rainbow Beach - patrol presence required with minimum patrol strength (PC, ART, Powercraft operators)
• Services from Noosa to Caloundra – minimum patrol strength to be provided as soon as possible.
• Bribie Island - services suspended
• Redcliffe - services suspended

Beach Operations for Sunday 9th March – beach closures will be considered in line with conditions

• Rainbow Beach - patrol presence required with minimum patrol strength
• Services from Noosa to Caloundra - patrol presence required with minimum patrol strength
• Bribie Island - to be reviewed
• Redcliffe - to be reviewed

- Update 7 March 2025 - Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast Clubs – Cyclone Alfred

Patrols & Beach Closures

• Gold Coast:
  No patrols for Saturday and Sunday 8 and 9 March 2025.
• Sunshine Coast:Throughout tomorrow (Saturday 8th March) SLSQ has rostered 8 teams of Lifeguards who will be deployed in a roving capacity as soon as conditions are safe to do so. This will be actioned across the coast as conditions change noting with the size of our region conditions are quite different in different locations.With this in mind, we ask that Club Captains take steps to have a minimum patrol capability available should conditions be safe to have a presence at the beach. Conditions will continually be assessed, and we will reach out directly should it conditions be considered safe to return to the beach noting that this will likely occur from north to south. We appreciate the agile response that Clubs are providing to this everchanging situation.

  This is subject to further change should the forecast change. The safety of our members is paramount, so please ensure only members who can safely attend patrols do so. 

  Saturday 8 March (note it is anticipated the blanket beach closure will remain in force to remain consistent with SEQ Government messaging):

  • Rainbow Beach - patrol presence required with minimum patrol strength (now outside of the warning area)
  • Services from Noosa to Caloundra - services suspended however we ask that Club Captains take steps to have a minimum patrol capability available should conditions be safe to have a presence at the beach
  • Bribie Island - services suspended
  • Redcliffe - services suspended

  Sunday 9 March – beach closures will be considered in line with conditions

  • Rainbow Beach - patrol presence required with minimum patrol strength (now outside of the warning area)
  • Services from Noosa to Caloundra - patrol presence required with minimum patrol strength
  • Bribie Island - services suspended
  • Redcliffe - services suspended

To all our Members, stay safe over the next few days. SLSQ is here to support you.

Update 6 March 2025 - Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast Clubs – Cyclone Alfred

As Tropical Cyclone Alfred approaches, we appreciate everyone’s efforts in preparing for its impacts. Please see the latest operational updates and safety advice for the coming days.

Patrols & Beach Closures

• Gold Coast: No patrols will be conducted on Saturday (March 8th), and no members are to attend clubs. Sunday will likely have low-patronage surveillance patrols, with all beaches remaining closed due to dangerous conditions. A final decision will be made for Sunday patrols and communicated by Friday afternoon.
• Sunshine Coast:Beach Operations for Saturday 8th March (note it is anticipated the blanket beach closure will remain in force):
  •  Rainbow Beach - patrol presence required with minimum patrol strength (now outside of the warning area)
  • Services from Noosa to Caloundra - services suspended
  • Bribie Island - services suspended
  • Redcliffe - services suspended
    Beach Operations for Sunday 9th March will be determined and communicated by 1pm Friday 7th March

   

Safety & Access to Clubs

• Members are strongly advised not to travel outside their local region (e.g., Brisbane-based members should not travel to the Gold Coast for patrols).
• From Thursday morning, club facilities should only be accessed if tasked by the SLSQ Regional Tasking Officer.
• Clubs should now be in the final stages of preparation, ensuring:
  • Windows are taped if at risk of shattering.
  • Sandbags are placed at entry points to prevent water ingress.
  • Loose equipment (e.g., surf skis, boards, surf boats) is secured.

Lifeguard Services & Assistance

• A gradual reduction of lifeguard services will occur leading up to the cyclone’s landfall, ensuring staff safety.
• Once conditions allow, services will be gradually reinstated.
• SLSQ will respond to assistance requests away from the beach, coordinated through Regional SLSQ Staff.

We will continue to monitor conditions closely and provide further updates as the situation develops. The safety of our members is our top priority—please ensure only those who can safely attend patrols do so.

Thank you to all members for your cooperation and assistance during this time.

Stay safe, and further updates will follow.

----

Update 5 March 2025 - Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast Clubs – Cyclone Alfred

As Tropical Cyclone Alfred approaches, we appreciate everyone’s efforts in preparing for its impacts. Please see the latest operational updates and safety advice for the coming days. Plans are subject to change as forecasts and observed conditions change.

Patrols & Beach Closures

Gold Coast: No patrols will be conducted on Saturday (March 8th), and no members are to attend clubs. This will be confirmed by lunchtime Thursday (March 6th) via Surf Life Saving Queensland (SLSQ). Sunday will likely have low-patronage surveillance patrols, with all beaches remaining closed due to dangerous conditions. A final decision will be made and communicated Friday afternoon.
Sunshine Coast: A blanket beach closure is anticipated to remain in force. Minimal patrol presence will be required at Rainbow Beach and from Noosa to Caloundra. Services at Bribie Island and Redcliffe will be suspended.

Safety & Access to Clubs

Members are strongly advised not to travel outside their local region (e.g., Brisbane-based members should not travel to the Gold Coast for patrols).
From Thursday morning, club facilities should only be accessed if tasked by the SLSQ Regional Tasking Officer.
Clubs should now be in the final stages of preparation, ensuring:
- Windows are taped if at risk of shattering.
- Sandbags are placed at entry points to prevent water ingress.
- Loose equipment (e.g., surf skis, boards, surf boats) is secured.

Lifeguard Services & Assistance

A gradual reduction of lifeguard services will occur leading up to the cyclone’s landfall, ensuring staff safety.
Once conditions allow, services will be gradually reinstated.
SLSQ will respond to assistance requests away from the beach, coordinated through Club Captains or nominated Team Leaders.
We will continue to monitor conditions closely and provide further updates as the situation develops. The safety of our members is our top priority—please ensure only those who can safely attend patrols do so.

Thank you to all members for your cooperation and assistance during this time.

Stay safe, and further updates will follow.

----

Update 5 March 2025 - Message from Marsh Insurance to affected Club

• Secure any loose furniture items that may become airborne with high winds – if possible, move outdoor furniture to a protected area
• Look for potential external hazards in the immediate area around your club, and look to reduce any risk to your property that could be caused by other factors
• Remove any temporary awnings etc.
• If safe and practicable to do so, remove any shadecloth/non-structural coverings from outdoor areas
• Consider unplugging/disconnecting all unnecessary electrical devices to preventing power surges etc
• Where possible, check gutters and downpipes to ensure that roof and ground water is able to run away from your club
• Sandbag low lying areas that may provide an opening for water inundation (including doors from outdoor decks/balconies etc.)
• Ensure motor vehicles are moved away from low lying areas
• Secure any equipment racks to prevent equipment from becoming airborne
• Follow all directions from relevant authorities
• Additionally, whilst securing the various clubs, cast an eye on potential external hazards in the immediate area around the club that whilst not club property, may become a hazard that someone else has not secured. A small amount of prevention in good faith may prevent damage to the club during the cyclone.

During/after the event:

1. If you become aware of any damage to the club, you are able to undertake reasonable necessary emergency repairs to prevent further loss (if safe to do so) without waiting for insurer approval.  Examples may be boarding up broken glass or tarping roof damage. Larger repairs should not be undertaken without discussing with our team and lodging a claim first.
2. Brent Jaenke (0417 246 273) and Dyllon Savory (0437 545 723) are available to assist any clubs who suffer damage over the coming days.

Unfortunately, insurance only responds when a claim for damage occurs – there is no cover for the lost trade if your club is closed due to the expected weather.  Similarly, damage caused by higher than expected tides may not be covered under your policy, so it’s important for all clubs to do what they can to prevent losses in the first instance.  Our team are always happy to discuss with clubs as required.

Update 4 March 2025

As you are all aware beaches from the Sunshine Coast to the Gold Coast are closed as we continue to monitor Tropical Cyclone Alfred’s journey offshore the coast of South East Queensland.

Based on modelling and advice from the Bureau of Meteorology and Queensland Government Emergency Services, Alfred is likely to adopt a track back towards the SE Queensland coast on Wednesday with the potential for it to make landfall as a category 2 tropical cyclone late Thursday or during Friday morning.

The BOM is anticipating damaging waves and coastal erosion and some inundation of low-lying areas along the foreshore over the next few days and has advised that there will be areas of intense rain which may lead to dangerous flash flooding across SE Queensland.

Given our surf lifesaving clubs are based in coastal areas we ask everyone to follow the Bureau of Meteorology and Queensland Government Emergency Services coastal warnings and recommend that you limit any non-essential club activities such as gatherings, non-essential work and training sessions until after this event.

SLSQ front line staff will continue to liaise with lifesaving services and volunteers in relation to essential support during this period.

We will continue to update this page over the coming days with the latest information.