Season’s over: volunteer lifesavers clock off after months of beach duty
Volunteer surf lifesavers lowered the final flags for the season on Sunday, marking the end of Queensland’s patrol before winter, after months of dedicated service across the state’s coastline.
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The red and yellow surf flags were lowered for the final time this season at Broadbeach on Sunday, marking the official end of Queensland’s 2024–25 volunteer surf lifesaving patrols.
Volunteer lifesavers Stephanie Dimitrio and Paul Ryan symbolically brought the season to a close, taking down the iconic markers that have flown every weekend and public holiday since September.
More than 10,000 volunteers across Queensland gave up their time this season to keep beachgoers safe, patrolling beaches from the Gold Coast to Cairns.
Paid lifeguards will continue patrolling many major beaches during the week, but the volunteer weekend watch now pauses until September school holidays.
Some beaches including Coochiemudlo will not have any guard patrols while most others including North Stradbroke Island will have daily patrols.
Gold Coast Lifesaving regional operations manager Nathan Fife thanked the volunteers but said the unpaid beach army often had some great work conditions.
“It’s a huge commitment though,” Mr Fife said.
“These people have busy lives but still choose to protect strangers at the beach.
“We thank them for helping thousands of families enjoy Queensland’s coastline safely and we hope to see them all back again after winter.”
Surf Life Saving Queensland is encouraging anyone keen to get involved to visit their local surf club during the off-season.
Despite the dedication of volunteers and lifeguards, the summer was not without tragedy.
As of early May, Queensland had recorded at least 22 drowning deaths across a range of aquatic venues, not just beaches, between December 1, 2024, and February 28, 2025, according to the Royal Life Saving Society’s national summer drowning toll.
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Originally published as Season’s over: volunteer lifesavers clock off after months of beach duty
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