Surf Life Saving Queensland in record summer of rescues

Surf lifesavers are reeling after performing the most summer rescues in Queensland history, plucking almost 2600 stricken swimmers from danger.

SURF lifesavers and lifeguards are reeling from the most summer rescues in Queensland history, plucking almost 2600 stricken swimmers from danger.

The peak season smashed all records with the tidal wave of beach emergencies along the southeast coastline soaring 91 per cent on the previous year, sparking renewed warnings from Queensland’s surf saviours for swimmers to stay between the flags.

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New Surf Life Saving Queensland figures obtained by The Courier-Mail reveal 2583 swimmers were pulled from the water between December 1 and the end of February.

This compared to 1351 the previous summer.

Surf lifesavers say the massive workload was due to an extended heatwave, favourable beach conditions with minimal rain and very little swell, and a spike in tourists.

In the most alarming statistic, 2204 of those who struck trouble – or 85 per cent – had strayed outside the red and yellow flags, compared to 1112 the previous summer (82 per cent).

Surf lifesaver Cailin Pender-Laws at Surfers Paradise. Picture: Nigel Hallett

In addition, 47,589 beachgoers were administered first aid, treated for cuts, abrasions, and marine stings, representing a jump of 144 per cent on the 19,464 beachgoers assisted the previous year.

An influx of bluebottles was a major contributor to the spike in first aid treatments.

The state’s 9000 volunteer surf lifesavers and SLSQ-employed professional lifeguards performed more than 335,556 preventative actions to proactively safeguard beachgoers up and down the coast. This was up by 36,340 (12.5 per cent).

Among the busiest locations for the latest rescues were Noosa Heads (267), Tallebudgera Creek (168) and Surfers Paradise (93).

SLSQ acting chief executive Kris Beavis said it had been an incredibly busy summer for surf lifesavers and lifeguards across the state.

Mr Beavis said there had been huge crowds visiting Queensland beaches and the state’s beach guardians had faced extremely challenging conditions.

“They had to factor in the likes of king tides, unstable surf conditions, heatwaves and bluebottles,” he said.

“But it’s something we train hard for, and every year there’s a significant amount of work done behind the scenes to ensure our surf lifesavers and lifeguards are ready and able to handle anything thrown their way.”

The statistics show 19 suspected drownings occurred along Queensland’s beaches since July 1, 2018, compared with six during 2017-18.

Mr Beavis said the drowning data had revealed a worrying trend.

“Of the 19 suspected drownings this season and 16 male deaths, 11 were males aged 40 or over,” he said.

“While we won’t know the cause of death until it is confirmed by the Queensland Coroner, it is possible that medical conditions have been a factor.

“If you are swimming between the flags and suffer a medical episode, our lifeguards and lifesavers will get to you much quicker than the alternative.

“Those precious few moments could literally mean the difference between life and death.”

North Arm resident Colin Blumson was one of the lucky ones to be rescued.

Colin Blumson, 78, is reunited with his rescuer, senior lifeguard Michael Daly at Coolum Beach. Picture: Liam Kidston

Mr Blumson, who turns 79 next week, was enjoying a swim between the flags at Coolum earlier in the summer when he suffered a medical episode and slipped unconscious beneath the water.

“All I remember is going in for a swim and then waking up in an ambulance,” he said.

“Apparently a couple in the water thought they saw a plastic bag floating past and fished me out.

“The lifeguard Michael Daly raced down and did CPR and revived me.

“I was incredibly fortunate.”

Mr Blumson, a woodcarver who worked on the interior of Brisbane landmark St John’s Anglican Cathedral from 1956 to 1995, said he had suffered high blood pressure and since had stents fitted.

He said he had not been afraid to return to the ocean and a swim between the flags was the best possible exercise for someone his age.

Mr Beavis said SLSQ was continuing to look at all avenues possible to help boost safety and protection up and down the coast.

“This summer we made a concerted effort to expand and extend our reach along Queensland’s coastline, with a particular focus on boosting safety at high-risk locations and identified black spots,” he said.

“We rolled out mobile camera technology, roving patrols, extended hours, and dawn and dusk patrols on the Gold Coast, along with an increased focus on building our after-hours emergency response capabilities.”