Sarina, Bucasia beaches hit by reduction in patrols

Beach patrols around Mackay have had to be cut back for the next 12 months. The cut has been prompted by a SLSQ decision to boost stinger protective efforts.

Eimeo Beach, where a teenager died last year from a box jellyfish sting.

A lack of lifeguards has forced a reduction in patrols at Sarina and Bucasia beaches as Surf Life Saving Queensland moves to boost stinger protection.

Under changes announced by SLSQ, two lifeguards must now perform a box jellyfish drag before they open a beach, according to Mackay Regional Council.

Previously, one lifeguard did the job with a smaller net.

Only Harbour, Lamberts and Eimeo beaches will be patrolled regularly for 12 months, which started on Wednesday, January 4, 2023, council said.

Sarina Beach will be patrolled intermittently by volunteer lifesavers while a roving lifeguard will visit Sarina and Bucasia beaches each week to advise beachgoers of the risks of swimming.

The change was prompted on a recommendation by Workplace Health and Safety Queensland after a teenager died at Eimeo Beach last year from a box jellyfish sting.

A box jellyfish in the Breakwater Marina at Townsville. Picture: supplied

Council’s Development Services director Aletta Nugent said they had no choice but to reduce patrols.

“Surf Life Saving Queensland patrol our beaches and they have been struggling with staff shortages for quite some time,” she explained.

“Given the additional resourcing requirements of the new procedure, our only option was to reduce the number of beaches patrolled across the region or the contract would be cancelled as the terms would be unable to be met.

“This would mean we wouldn’t have anyone to patrol any of the beaches.

“Over the next 12 months we’ll be investigating ways to reinstate patrols to Bucasia Beach and Sarina Beach.

“We’re hopeful that the job market may also improve during this time.”

There have been a spate of marine stinger incidents reported already this season, with the most recent being a girl stung by a suspected Irukandji in waters off Mackay at the weekend.

Sarina residents can visit beachsafe.org.au for updates on the dates and times that lifesavers will patrol their beach.

Residents can also visit nbbsurflifesaving.com.au/beach-reports for beach open/closure updates for SLSQ’s entire patrol region.