Red and yellow flags to return after 76-day hiatus

After 76 days of absence, Surf Life Saving Queensland will raise the iconic red and yellow flags on Sunshine Coast beaches.

Lifeguard supervisor Rhys Drury urged beachgoers to be cautious in the water.

AFTER 76 days of absence, Surf Life Saving Queensland will raise the iconic red and yellow flags on Sunshine Coast beaches on Saturday, as the state continues to lift coronavirus restrictions.

Surf Life Saving Queensland services across the state have remained on surveillance patrol since Saturday March 28, when flags were taken down.

READ: Lives on the line: Lifesavers’ fears as beaches stay open

In light of the Stage 2 ease of restrictions in Queensland and in consultation with local councils and the State Government, the decision was made to return the flags to beaches in order to provide a designated swimming area at patrolled beaches.

SLSQ will continue to follow Queensland Government advice and ask all swimmers to adhere to physical distancing of 1.5m, to stay at home if you are sick and not gather in groups of more than 20.

SLSQ Sunshine Coast lifeguard supervisor Rhys Drury advised beachgoers to take extra caution when visiting the beach.

READ: Tourniquets could be a lifesaving surfing device

“While the flags will be up guiding people to the safest place to swim, they should not forget about social distancing and we encourage everyone to continue to follow Queensland Government advice,” Mr Drury said.

“It is really important that beachgoers make the effort to find the nearest flagged area when they are wanting to go for a swim.

“This will ensure they are swimming in the safest spot at the beach and lifeguards will be there to assist them if need.

“We would like to thank members of the public who have followed directions over the past few weeks and thank our lifesavers and lifeguards for maintaining surveillance patrol across the Sunshine Coast.”

Originally published as