New figures reveal the swimmers most at risk on Queensland beaches

As a nightmare season on Queensland beaches draws to a close, new statistics have revealed the swimmers most at risk.

Shocking new figures have revealed the swimmers most vulnerable as a nightmare season on Queensland beaches draws to a close.

Yesterday’s Labour Day holiday was the last official day of the patrol season for most of Queensland’s army of volunteer lifesavers with the number of total rescues up more than 200 from the previous year, though suspected drowning numbers fell slightly.

Almost twice as many males as females were rescued at Queensland beaches with the 25-35 and under 12 age groups standing out.

Father and Daughter Lifesavers Dan and Emily Ford of Mets Caloundra Surf Life Saving Club pack up the flags at Kings Beach as the patrol season comes to a close. Picture: Lachie Millard.

In the 25-35 age bracket, 176 men were rescued – more than double the number of women (74). In under 12s, 111 boys were rescued, compared to 77 girls. Across all age groups, males made up more than 60 per cent of rescues.

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Jack McNeil, Lifesaving Operations Coordinator Jack McNeil said the confidence and bravado of young males in the ocean was often misguided.

“Young males seem to have a ‘she’ll be right’ attitude, but the statistics are showing they won’t be,” he said.

“At that stage in your life you feel like you are bulletproof, but it does not matter how young, fit or good you are at swimming, the ocean is unpredictable and you will be tested.

“We ask all swimmers, no matter how experienced they are, to set the right example and swim between the red and yellow flags.”

The previous surf season included coronavirus-enforced lockdowns which kept people away from beaches, but officials are still concerned at the huge spike in rescues this season, with 80 per cent of rescues taking place outside flagged areas.

While most of the state’s lifesavers have now finished up for the year, beaches will be patrolled through the cooler months by paid lifeguard services, though some lifesaving clubs will keep watch over beaches in north Queensland.

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