Royal Life Saving Australia data shows Gold Coasters twice as likely to drown on public holiday
Gold Coasters are twice as likely to drown on a public holiday, according to new data — and water users are being warned to take extra care this Easter.
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GOLD Coasters are twice as likely to drown on a public holiday, according to new data — and water users are being warned to take extra care this Easter.
Royal Life Saving Australia has released a new study revealing 210 people have drowned on public holidays alone in Australia over the past 15 years, nearly double that of any other day of the year.
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The Tweed River was named as one of the country’s leading river black spots for drowning, reaching number 10 on the national list.
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The release of the report comes as local lifesavers predict testing conditions on Gold Coast beaches this Easter.
Despite rain being forecast for the rest of the long weekend, Surf Life Saving Queensland’s Nathan Fife said lifesavers were conducting extra patrols because of large numbers of tourists around the Coast.
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“Unfortunately this year we have seen many rescues outside of the flags and some drownings also,” he said.
“You need to help our lifesavers. They give up valuable time to make sure everyone is safe, so please listen to them.
“Set the right example for your kids.”
Dusk patrols are in place at Surfers Paradise and lifesavers have also been using the Surf Life Saving rescue helicopter and jetskis to keep people safe.
Patrolled beaches are expected to be open across the city from 8am to 5pm each day during Easter, but swimmers are urged to check for hazardous surf warnings before hitting the water.
Dangerous swell stirred up conditions on Thursday.