Surf Life Saving Queensland (SLSQ) is encouraging beachgoers to enjoy the state’s beaches this coming season, but heed safety advice and swim between the red and yellow flags as the Queensland* 2025/26 patrolling season commences this weekend.

Almost 10,000 volunteer lifesavers and 38,000 members from 58 Queensland surf lifesaving clubs will be on Queensland’s beaches every weekend and public holidays over the summer, with the first weekend expected to be busy as it coincides with the start of a two-week school holiday break

In the 2024/25 season, SLSQ lifesavers and lifeguards performed 2,350 rescues and more than 617,000 preventative actions with almost 23 million beach visitors across the state. Sadly, there were 21 beach-related drownings, with 57 percent of those occurring more than 100 metres outside the flagged patrol areas. These figures highlight that people are still choosing to swim in areas that are away from lifesaving services.

Alarmingly, children under the age of 12 continue to account for the largest proportion of rescues, while those aged 75 and older made up 20 percent, underscoring the need for extra care across the most vulnerable groups.

SLSQ CEO Dave Whimpey said the number of drownings is of significant concern, particularly in regional and remote areas where beachgoers often choose to swim in unsupervised environments.

“We know there are many beautiful, remote locations holidaymakers and beachgoers love to visit across summer,” said Mr Whimpey.

“But the safer place to swim is always between the red and yellow flags at patrolled beaches. These areas are monitored by trained lifesavers and lifeguards who are there to watch out for you and your family.”

“We admire the tireless commitment of the nearly 10,000 lifesavers that gave 344,789 hours collectively in the 2024–25 season. Their dedication to protect lives on Queensland beaches and community spirit inspire us all.”

“As we begin the 2025–26 season, we celebrate the vital role the lifeguards and our volunteer lifesavers play in saving lives and keeping our beaches safe,” he said.

While doing more to patrol beyond the flags through its fleet of rescue watercraft, helicopters, drones and coastal safety cameras, SLSQ is urging everyone to make water safety their top priority.

“Surf Life Saving continues to do everything it can to make a positive contribution to the Queensland Community through its people and leveraging cutting edge technology that can be available at times of the greatest need”, he said.

This year, SLSQ will be going into the season with a new State Operations and Communications Centre located on the Gold Coast, which will position it well to respond to community needs, including during times of severe weather and disaster.

“Our lifesavers are here to help, but if they can’t see you, they can’t save you,” Mr Whimpey said.

“By following the lifesavers and lifeguard warnings, swimming between the flags and remembering ‘Stop, Look, Stay Alive’, we can all play a role in reducing drownings and keeping Queensland beaches safe this summer.”

SLSQ reminds every one of the national SLSA campaign “Stop, Look, Stay Alive” campaign, which encourages everyone to take simple but lifesaving steps before entering the water:

STOP: Stop and think before you enter the water. Is it patrolled? Are there red and yellow flags?

LOOK: Look for signs of rips, currents, or hazards, and check safety signage.

STAY ALIVE: Stay safe by staying within your limits, swimming between the flags and following the directions of lifesavers and lifeguards.

Mr Whimpey said these simple steps can make the difference between a safe day out and a tragedy.

“Every drowning is preventable. By stopping to think, looking for dangers, and staying within your limits and between the red and yellow flags, you and your loved ones can enjoy the beach and come home safely,” he said.

*North Queensland area (north of Mission Beach) have been patrolling since March, during the region’s peak coastal swimming season, and will continue their patrols until the end of November.

For audio or visual grabs from the Gold Coast media call please contact:
Stacey Mair | 0402 818 735 | [email protected]