A NATIONAL campaign is urging everyone to be vigilant when it comes to surf safety, regardless of how well you think you may know the conditions. The message from the campaign is to Stop, Look and Stay Alive.  

Following a heartbreaking season last summer that saw three drowning deaths on the Sunshine Coast, lifeguards and volunteer lifesavers are urging everyone to make safety a priority. 

In the rush to cool off or take a relaxing dip, crucial signs can be missed, and this can, unfortunately, put beachgoers at grave risk. 

The national campaign urges people to ‘Stop’ before they enter the water, ‘Look’ for the red and yellow flags to swim between and for any signs and warnings, and ‘Stay Alive’ by assessing whether they have the ability to tackle the prevailing conditions, not going in alone and only entering the water if it’s safe.  

Lifesavers on hand 

Sunshine Coast Council-funded professional lifeguards, supported by thousands of dedicated volunteer lifesavers, patrol our beaches with one shared mission: zero preventable deaths.  

Their message is simple but vital: if you’re heading to the beach, choose a patrolled location and swim between the flags.  

The 2025–26 volunteer surf lifesaving season began on Friday, September 19, in time for the school holidays, and will run until early May 2026.  

Last financial year (2024–25), more than 6.6 million people visited Sunshine Coast beaches, with lifeguards and lifesavers performing 550 rescues, 98,574 preventative actions and 7,696 first aid treatments.  

Sunshine Coast Council’s $7.2 million annual contribution towards lifeguarding services ensures year-round patrol services at beaches such as Coolum and vital rescue equipment.  

More than 124 professional lifeguards are employed across permanent, part-time and casual positions to cover 21 patrolled beach locations, from north Coolum to Bulcock Beach in Caloundra. 

What’s new this season 

*A roving lifeguard will now provide relief across multiple lifeguard service locations north of the Maroochy River, ensuring consistent coverage throughout the day. 

*Marcoola will now be covered with a second lifeguard during September, Christmas and Easter school holidays. 

Sunshine Coast areas patrolled by lifeguards and lifesavers 

Sunshine Coast beaches are patrolled by volunteer lifesavers every weekend and on public holidays from 7 am to 5 pm during the summer season, with extended hours to 6 pm through the busy Christmas period. This vital service supports lifeguard patrols, which occur year-round.  

For more information on patrolled beach locations, times, and conditions, visit www.beachsafe.org.au. 

Top tips from Surf Life Saving Australia 

• Always swim at a patrolled beach and stay between the red and yellow flags. 

• Use the BeachSafe App or visit beachsafe.org.au to find patrolled beaches and get up-to-date safety information. 

• Keep a close watch on children in, on, and around the water at all times. 

• Stay clear of alcohol and drugs when near or in the water. 

• Wear a lifejacket when boating, rock fishing, or paddling. 

• Check weather and surf conditions before heading out.