Sunshine Coast Beach Safety
If you grew up on the 'Coast or you regularly go swimming at the beach, you probably already have a good idea of beach safety and being sun smart. But if you didn’t grow up on the coast or you don’t spend much time swimming, it can’t hurt to get a bit of advice before you dive in at a Sunshine Coast beach.
Whether you’re on holiday by yourself, you’re with your mates, or it’s a family vacation, there are a few important things to keep in mind while you’re in the surf.
The beach doesn’t have to be dangerous so long as you follow these simple rules set out by the people that spend their lives on the beach. Follow these, swim safe, and have a great holiday!
Surf Life Saving Queensland's Advice
Surf Life Saving Queensland (SLSQ) offers the following advice for Sunshine Coast beaches:
To stay safe at the beach remember FLAGS!
- Find the flags and swim between them
The flags at the beach represent the area patrolled by Lifesavers & Lifeguards. They are the safest places to swim at the beach. - Look at the safety signs
Safety signs help you to identify possible dangers and the daily conditions of the beach. You’ll see these at beach access points and near the flagged areas. It’s important to read them carefully before entering the water. - Ask a lifesaver for some good advice
Surf conditions can change quickly on the coast. Currents, wave size & type and even depth can change each day. Lifesavers & lifeguard are happy to chat about the conditions before you swim. - Get a friend to swim with you
It’s a good idea to swim with a friend so you can watch for each other’s safety and get help if needed. Young children should always be supervised by an adult. - Stick your hand up for help
If you get into trouble in the water, try to remain calm. Raise one arm to signal for help, float and wait for assistance. Remember to float with a current or rip – don’t try to swim against it.
To stay safe on the beaches, never:
- Go swimming at unpatrolled beaches
- Swim at night
- Swim while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Run and dive into the water
If the lifesavers can't see you, they can't save you. So please swim between the flags. For further information contact Surf Life Saving Queensland on (07) 3846 8000.
What Other Dangers Are There on Sunshine Coast Beaches?
- Sunburn – it’s called the “Sunshine” Coast for a reason. Apply sunscreen every couple of hours
- Strong currents – can form during nasty weather and are hard to see from the shore. Swimming between the flags is the best way to avoid strong currents though
- Dangerous surf – the beaches are usually closed if the conditions get too bad though
- Overcrowding – the summer holiday season can see the beaches get pretty crowded, but it’s not too bad.
- Blue Bottles - every now and then blue bottle jelly fish hang out on the Sunshine Coast. They can give a nasty sting but they won’t kill you. See the Lifesavers if you have any concerns.