Sunshine Coast patrolled beaches: Lifeguard services ordered for Happy Valley
Lifeguard services at Sunshine Coast’s beaches are changing in response to shifting sands and visitor numbers. See where the red and yellow flags are going.
Sunshine Coast
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The formation of a sand spit in the southern part of the Sunshine Coast, and waning visitor numbers on some beaches and growth on others has prompted changes to lifeguard services.
The formation of the sand spit at Happy Valley and nearby Bulcock Beach following the 2022 Bribie Island breakthrough has meant thousands of visitors and residents have flocked to the area.
This is despite lifeguards warning of the dangers of that stretch and the tragic death of 27-year-old Brisbane woman Lucinda McGrath on January 22.
She died the day before her 28th birthday and she was in Caloundra to celebrate with a friend.
At the Sunshine Coast Council’s latest meeting, councillors endorsed a plan to move the existing lifeguard service, which operates during Queensland school holidays from September to May, from Golden Beach to Happy Valley.
This change will occur on September 16.
Councillors also approved other changes when it endorsed the Surf Life Saving Queensland – Sunshine Coast Council Lifeguard Service Plan 2023-2028.
The existing lifeguard service which operates at Wurtulla will also move 500m north to Bokarina in September next year due to waning beachgoer number at Wurtulla.
Surf Life Saving Queensland chief Lifeguard Anthony King said the changes to lifeguard services responded to changing demands and coastal risks in an efficient and responsible manner while maintaining beach safety standards.
“The additional lifeguard services will help ensure the safety of the growing the number of people who visited the beaches every year,” Mr King said.
“The increased presence of lifeguards on the coast will greatly assist in the delivery of our service.”
Community portfolio councillor Rick Baberowski said the council would “inject just over $5.5m” per year into lifeguard services.
“As part of this agreement, Surf Life Saving Queensland and Council have agreed to a new five-year service plan to guide lifeguard services over this period,” he said.
“The aim of this new plan is to provide the best possible service across the region and address any gaps in service provision, identified risks and respond to growth pressures.”
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