Surf Lifesavers urge caution as school holidays begin in North Queensland

As the September break begins, North Queensland surf lifesavers are urging caution, especially in remote areas, after a tragic beach drowning a few weeks ago.

Picnic Bay surf Life Saving Club member Sarah de Hann. Picture: Evan Morgan

As the September school holidays begin, surf lifesavers in North Queensland are calling on beachgoers to stay vigilant, particularly in remote areas.

This safety reminder comes six weeks after a man tragically drowned at Alma Bay Beach on Magnetic Island.

Jason Wells, Surf Life Saving Queensland’s North Barrier regional manager, issued a stark warning, highlighting that coastal drowning deaths are 4.26 times more likely on public holidays.

With many locals heading to coastal spots for camping trips, surf lifesavers are reminding everyone to swim between the flags where possible and know their limits.

Nine coastal drownings have been recorded in the Townsville area over the past decade, according to the Coastal Safety Report, released on Friday.

Of those, five were linked to boating or personal watercraft, two to falls, one to swimming, and one remains unknown.

Mr Wells emphasised that the majority of the nation’s drowning victims are Australian men aged between 50 and 69.

“A high proportion of drowning deaths are Australians, not tourists,” he said.

“When people head to less populated areas, it’s important not to swim alone and to avoid getting out of their depth.”

He also stressed the importance of having a flotation device nearby and a means to call for help in case of emergencies.

Originally published as Surf Lifesavers urge caution as school holidays begin in North Queensland