Surf Life Saving Queensland launches new summer safety campaign

After the deadliest year on record on Queensland beaches, our lifesavers are leaving nothing to chance with their latest campaign. WATCH NOW

JUST when you thought it was safe to go back into the water...

Surf Life Saving Queensland will today unveil a new television campaign aimed at reducing the shocking death toll at our beaches this summer.

Surf Life Saving Queensland launches urgent plea after year of tragedy on state’s beaches

Surf Life Saving Queensland in record summer of rescues

Gold Coast’s Peter Wilson has saved 10 people from drowning in surf

It comes after the deadliest year on record at Queensland beaches, with 21 people losing their lives in the 2018-19 financial year.

The campaign, to feature TV ads which will hit screens from tomorrow, again implores swimmers to stay between the flags this holiday season.

Alexandra Headland Summer Surf Ambassador Sonita Leng-Cole, one of the stars of the new ad, knows full well the importance of preaching the safety message during the busiest time of year for surf lifesavers.

On her very first shift as patrol captain on Christmas Day three years ago, she was involved in the rescue of almost a dozen stricken swimmers.

“It was really treacherous that day,” she said.

“You never want to see a drowning at any time of year, but especially around Christmas which is meant to be such a fun time spent celebrating with family and loved ones.

“It’s such a busy time of year and there are so many people on our beaches, so this is a really vital message.”

Alex Heads surf life saver Sonita Leng-Cole, who is the face of a new campaign to stop people drowning this summer. Photo Lachie Millard

SLSQ chief executive officer Dave Whimpey called on all beachgoers to exercise caution in the surf.

“Twenty-one drownings on Queensland beaches last season was a devastating outcome and, quite frankly, it’s something we never want to see again,” he said.

“The sad reality is most drownings can be prevented, and our new summer safety campaign

highlights how simple and easy choices – such as swimming between the flags – can avert a potential tragedy and spare your loved ones from a lifetime of heartbreak.”