The below webpage will house information for SLSQ Clubs affected by Cyclone Alfred, please refer to this page over the coming few days.
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):
Beach Operations for Sunday 9th March – beach closures will be considered in line with conditions
Patrols & Beach Closures
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):
Sunday 9 March – beach closures will be considered in line with conditions
To all our Members, stay safe over the next few days. SLSQ is here to support you.
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
Safety & Access to Clubs
Lifeguard Services & Assistance
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.
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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.
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Update 5 March 2025 - Message from Marsh Insurance to affected Club
During/after the event:
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.