INTRODUCING TRAVIS LOVELL
Meet the face of our Kids Summer Safety campaign, Travis Lovell! Travis is 14 years old and is a passionate Surf Life Saver at Kawana Waters SLSC. Travis was also recently awarded our 2024 'Junior Life Saver of the Year' at our SLSQ Awards of Excellence.
As the Junior Life Saver of the Year, Travis wants to let everyone know the importance of swimming between the red and yellow flags to keep children safe this summer.
He has shared some of his top safety tips with us for parents to follow when it comes to keeping your children safe in our Queensland beaches this summer season!
DONT FORGET TO STOP, LOOK, STAY ALIVE!
Did you know...
- Out of all rescues last year, 588 were made up of children under the age of 12
- 81% of total rescues were completed outside the flags
To reduce these numbers amongst our Queensland beaches, you should:
- Always go to a patrolled beach with red and yellow flags
- Keep children within arms reach
- Know your limits
If you're at an unpatrolled beach, take these precautions:
- Read and follow any safety signs—they provide important information about water conditions.
- Take a moment to observe the surf before getting in, so you can spot any potential dangers.
- If you’re not feeling confident, stay in shallow water where you’re comfortable.
- Whenever possible, swim with a buddy.
- Keep a close eye on young children in and around the water.
- Swim during daylight hours—avoid swimming at dawn or dusk.
Always remember to STOP, LOOK, and STAY ALIVE!
HOW WILL YOU KEEP YOUR KIDS SAFE THIS SUMMER?
TRAVIS' TOP 5 OCEAN SAFETY TIPS
1. ALWAYS swim between the red and yellow flags
2. Read the beach report to check conditions
3. Parents, keep children within arms reach
4. Know both your own, and your kids limits/abilities
5. Talk to a Lifesaver! They are there to help
HOW TO SPOT AND GET OUT OF A RIP
Rip currents are one of the biggest and most common dangers on Australian beaches, especially for children. Every year, rip currents cause an average of 21 drowning deaths in Australia. Taking a few simple precautions can make all the difference, ensuring your family enjoys the beach safely and confidently.
If you get stuck in a rip, Travis advises everyone to:
- Stay Calm and preserve energy
- Let the rip take you out
- Swim parallel to the shore
- Swim in safely
SUN SAFETY WITH TRAVIS
The Queensland summer is famous for its long, hot, sunny days, which can be a lot of fun for kids. However, with all that sunshine comes an increased exposure to heat and potentially dangerous UV rays.
Too much sun without proper protection can have immediate effects on your child, like painful sunburn, overheating, and feeling sick. More concerning, long-term exposure without protection can lead to serious health issues like skin cancer.
To keep your kids safe while enjoying a day at the beach, it’s important to follow Travis's simple sun safety steps.
