The other Queensland surf lifesaving scandals outside of Noosa

A minority of Queensland surf lifesaving volunteers are allegedly behaving badly, threatening the reputation of the organisation.

A lifesaver charged with rape, multimillion dollar sex abuse claims, a “sex tape” featuring young lifesavers, clubbies allegedly drunk or asleep on patrol – Queensland surf lifesaving clubs have been a hotbed of scandal.

The red and yellow army of volunteer surf lifesavers that patrols beaches from Rainbow Bay to Port Douglas is renowned as a noble institution. And, for the most part, it is.

Lifesavers last year performed more than 2633 rescues, 787,153 preventive actions and 25,106 first-aid treatments, spending 344,813 volunteer patrol hours between the flags in an effort to keep our beaches fatality-free.

But with more than 36,000 patrolling members, a minority can cross the line.

Last month, The Courier-Mail revealed that a woman who was allegedly molested and abused as a young lifesaver was suing Yeppoon Surf Club and SLSQ for more than $1.1m.

It follows a $2.5m lawsuit by a Gold Coast man who alleged he was raped by a senior Currumbin Surf Club official when he was an eight-year-old Nipper. That matter is ongoing and is being defended by the club.

In 2021, it was revealed that SLSQ was facing compensation payouts of up to $10m for historical sex abuse cases.

In 2019, a sex tape featuring young Gold Coast lifesavers was shared by a clubbie, young female lifesavers were illegally filmed in the showers – and a clubbie who blew the whistle was kicked out of the club.

The same year, the SLSQ board tabled a “dirt file” from whistleblowers including allegations of a lifesaver being drunk on duty, sexual harassment and club staff kickbacks.

A photo also emerged of Sunshine Coast lifesavers apparently sleeping while on patrol.

In recent years, SLSQ has initiated independent reviews into how women and children are treated in the movement.

“Some of the history, traditions and customs of surf lifesaving just aren’t appropriate in the modern age,” SLSQ CEO Dave Whimpey told the Sunday Mail.