C O A S T S A F E R E P O R T 2 016
S U R F L I F E S AV I N G Q U E E N S L A N D
2 015/16 D R O W N I N G S N A P S H O T
QUEENSL AND
BEACH-RELATED
COASTAL DROWNING
DEATHS
INCIDENT LOCATIONS BY REGION
10 MALE VS 1 FEMALE
North Queensland
44.5
Wide Bay Capricorn
0
BETWEEN
Sunshine Coast
Brisbane
Region
(inc. Gympie)
SLSQ’S
FLAGS
AVG.
AGE
55% WITHIN
1KM OF A PATROL
36% WITHIN
3KM+ OF A PATROL
Gold Coast
55 %
36 %
18% RIDING CRAFT 18% UNPOWERED CRAFT
18% 8:01AM-10:00AM 18% 4:01PM-6:00PM
SWIMMING
BEFORE 8AM
CONTENTS
2 0 15 /1 6 D R O W N I N G S N A P S H O T
2
S E C T I O N 01: I N T R O D U C T I O N
ABOUT SLSQ
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
S T R AT E G I C D I R E C T I O N
B E A C H V I S I TAT I O N , P O P U L AT I O N A N D TO U R I S M T R E N D S
C O A S TA L B L A C K S P OT S
B L A C K S P OT I N I T I AT I V E S
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6
9
10
12
13
14
S E C T I O N 02: Y E A R I N R E V I E W
2 0 15 /1 6 S N A P S H O T S
2 0 15 /1 6 O V E R V I E W
WHO DROWNED?
WHEN DID THEY DROWN?
WHERE AND HOW DID THEY DROWN?
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18
21
22
25
26
S E C T I O N 03: T E N Y E A R S I N R E V I E W
WHO DROWNED?
WHEN DID THEY DROWN?
WHERE AND HOW DID THEY DROWN?
TOTA L D R O W N I N G D E AT H S BY C O U N C I L A N D B E A C H
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30
33
34
36
S E C T I O N 0 4: DA N G E R O U S M A R I N E C R E AT U R E S
38
S E C T I O N 05: O U R S E RV I C E S
S TAY I N G I N TO U C H W I T H O U R S E R V I C E S
W E S T PAC L I FE S AV ER R E S C U E H EL I CO P T ER S ERV I C E
AUSTR ALIAN LIFEGUARD SERVICE QUEENSL AND
A Q U AT I C A U D I T I N G A N D R I S K A S S E S S M E N T S
ENGAGING WITH OUR COMMUNIT Y
42
44
46
48
50
52
S E C T I O N 0 6: I N L A N D WAT E R S
56
CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES
ME THODOLOGY AND RESE ARCH
GLOSSARY
60
61
62
Surf Life Saving Queensland would like to acknowledge Grahame Long and Taronga Zoo for their contributions to this report.
INTRODUCTION
S E C T I O N 01
ABOUT SLSQ
INTRODUCTION
Who we are
Why we exist
Surf Life Saving Queensland (SLSQ) is the state’s leading
authority on aquatic safety and surf rescue, and one of the largest
volunteer-based community service organisations in Australia.
SLSQ is built on a fundamental principle: to save lives.
The organisation encompasses several diverse arms – lifesaving
and lifeguarding services, community education, membership
services, surf sports, fundraising, commercial training and
member training – all supporting one overarching purpose.
From humble beginnings, when the first official rescue was
recorded on a Queensland beach in 1909, SLSQ has developed
into a ground-breaking and highly innovative organisation
encompassing 58 clubs and more than 30,000 men, women and
children across the state.
Queensland’s mainland coastline is extensive, stretching more
than 6,000 kilometres from the Gulf of Carpentaria in the west
and Cape York in the north to Point Danger in the southeast.
With more than 700 accessible beaches along this expanse, the
state boasts some of the world’s most popular sandy stretches,
attracting approximately 30 million visitors to our beaches every
year.
Since its inception, SLSQ’s volunteer surf lifesavers and lifeguards
have directly saved the lives of more than 135,000 people through
in-water rescues, and educated in excess of 10 million people
about surf and aquatic safety through targeted and grassroots
community awareness programs.
Unfortunately, despite significant advances in technology,
techniques and knowledge, people still drown on Queensland
beaches.
SLSQ is directly affiliated with, and is part of, Surf Life Saving
Australia (SLSA) and the International Life Saving Federation (ILS).
As a not-for-profit organisation, SLSQ relies heavily on community
support and donations to continue its vital work both on
and off Queensland’s beaches. It is the generous support of
Queenslanders that enables SLSQ to help keep beachgoers safe.
SLSQ aims to set the benchmark in lifesaving service provision,
rescue practices, emergency care, training, and education,
striving to make Queensland's coastline safer for everyone who
uses it. A commitment to continuous improvement across all areas
of operation ensures SLSQ is highly regarded across Australia and
around the world.
SLSQ is an industry leader and is committed to maintaining this
stance to ensure the organisation is equipped for the future.
AS QUEENSLAND’S POPULATION AND TOURISM INDUSTRIES CONTINUE TO EXPERIENCE STRONG GROWTH, SO
TOO DOES THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE VISITING OUR BEACHES AND WATERWAYS. WHILE MANY OF THESE PEOPLE ARE
EXPERIENCED AND COMPETENT IN THE WATER, THERE ARE ALSO MANY HIGH-RISK AND INEXPERIENCED SWIMMERS
WITH MINIMAL UNDERSTANDING OF WATER SAFETY AND SURVIVAL SKILLS.
SLSQ IS PROUD OF ITS TRACK RECORD WHEN IT COMES TO MINIMISING DROWNINGS. WE WILL CONTINUE TO WORK
CLOSELY WITH THE STATE GOVERNMENT, COUNCILS AND LAND MANAGERS TO PROTECT SWIMMERS, REDUCE
DROWNINGS, AND ENSURE THAT QUEENSLAND REMAINS AT THE FOREFRONT OF AQUATIC SAFETY.
GEORGE HILL ESM – CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER, SURF LIFE SAVING QUEENSLAND. 6
Our vision
Our funding
Zero preventable deaths in Queensland public waters.
SLSQ is a not-for-profit community service organisation that relies
heavily on public and corporate support to fund our operations
along Queensland’s coastline. In addition to public donations
and sponsorship, SLSQ also receives financial support from
the Queensland Government via grants, subsidies and service
agreements.
Note: Public waters is defined by SLSQ as any freely-accessible
waterway including, but not limited to, beaches, rivers, creeks,
dams, lakes, lagoons and streams; this excludes commercial and
private swimming pools, as well as household waters such as bath
tubs, sinks and backyard containers.
Our primary target
Our mission
International and domestic visitors to Queensland’s beaches and
waterways.
SLSQ will operate as a proactive and effective peak body, leading
the way in lifesaving service provision, education, sport, beach
safety advocacy and community leadership.
Our history
Our strategic imperatives
The surf lifesaving movement in Queensland can be traced all the
way back to 1908 when an old line and belt was brought to Tweed
Heads for the purpose of forming a surf life saving club. Not long
after, the first qualified surf lifesavers practiced at Greenmount
Beach.
Committed To Our Community: To advocate water safety
management and continue to enhance the reputation of SLSQ as
the peak body.
Connected To Our People: To recruit and retain the best people
through support and development of their skills and knowledge.
The first official rescue was recorded on a Queensland beach on
21 February 1909 when volunteers used a lifesaving reel to rescue
four young women and a young man who had been swept out to
sea by a strong rip.
Effective In Our Business: To plan and execute our day-to-day
operations to an outstanding level of efficiency, with continuous
improvement always in mind.
SLSQ was officially established in 1930 and is the governing
body for surf lifesaving in Queensland. In the years since, the
organisation has developed into the peak authority for coastal
safety and has achieved recognition for the courage, dedication
and service of its members.
Sustainable For The Future: To ensure SLSQ is equipped for the
future through continuous growth, strong financial management
and sound governance.
7
SLSQ lifesaver and lifeguard watch over beachgoers
at Coolum Beach on the Sunshine Coast.
8
E XECUTIVE SUMMARY
E
The 2016 Coast Safe Report provides a key snapshot of aquatic
incidents and fatalities in Queensland, along with an update on
some of the key initiatives and strategies currently being rolled
out by SLSQ.
ach and every year Queensland's surf lifesavers and
lifeguards provide a vital service to local communities and
beahgoers across the state.
Since its inception back in 1930, the highly skilled men and
women who make up Surf Life Saving Queensland (SLSQ) have
directly saved the lives of more than 135,000 people.
Tragically, despite SLSQ’s best efforts and endeavours, we
continue to see people losing their lives on Queensland beaches.
In 2015/16, there were 11 beach-related coastal drowning deaths
recorded across the state, and 81 across the past ten years. As far
as SLSQ is concerned, this is too many.
Over the years, SLSQ's services have expanded and technology
has evolved, but one thing that will never change is the
organisation's unwavering desire to save lives. Moving forward,
SLSQ remains committed at all levels to increasing and
improving protection for beachgoers and swimmers as part of
its overarching vision of ‘Zero preventable deaths in Queensland
public waters’.
These drownings have only served to strengthen our resolve as we
move into the 2016/17 season, and we remain more committed
than ever to saving lives and eliminating drownings across
Queensland.
Importantly, this commitment continues to see SLSQ introduce
and implement key surf safety strategies in a bid to protect
beachgoers and, ultimately, eliminate drownings along
Queensland’s coastline. With that in mind, a number of key
initiatives were rolled out across the state in 2015/16 including
additional patrols at high-risk coastal blackspots and targeted
community education programs.
John Brennan OAM
Chief Executive Officer
Surf Life Saving Queensland
A recent shift in its overarching vision, which now includes all
public waters in addition to Queensland beaches, has also seen
SLSQ work closely with various councils and Seqwater across the
past 12 months to improve aquatic safety at dams, lakes and other
inland waterways across the state.
9
George Hill ESM
Chief Operating Officer
Surf Life Saving Queensland
S T R AT E G I C D I R E C T I O N
TO MINIMISE DROWNING INCIDENTS
The International Life Saving Federation (ILS) has identified four key factors that may lead to drowning. These are:
1. Lack of knowledge, disregard or misjudgement of the hazard
2. Uninformed, unprotected or unrestricted access to the hazard
3. Lack of supervision or surveillance
4. An inability to cope once in difficulty
Any of these factors, or a combination, could lead to death by drowning. An understanding of these factors, and how they contribute to
drowning and coastal fatalities, helps in the design of drowning prevention strategies.
Having a strong understanding and appreciation about which factors are the greatest contributors will play a key role in eliminating
drownings within a particular region. Some regions may require a wider approach to coastal safety encompassing multiple elements
while, in other regions, a strategic focus on one core element could be the most effective use of resources.
SLSQ has also embraced the Australian Water Safety Strategy for 2016-2020, in relation to reducing drowning deaths. As part of this, the
following key objectives have been identified:
1. Reduce Drowning Deaths in Children Aged 0-14
2. Reduce Drowning Deaths in Young People Aged 15-24
3. Reduce Drowning Deaths in Males Aged 25-64
4. Reduce Drowning Deaths in People Aged 65+
5. Reduce Drowning Deaths in Inland Waterways
6. Reduce Drowning Deaths in Coastal Waters
7. Reduce Drowning Deaths by Strengthening the Aquatic Industry
8. Reduce Alcohol and Drug-Related Drowning Deaths
9. Reduce Boating, Watercraft and Recreational Activity-Related Drownings
10. Reduce Drowning Deaths in High-Risk Populations
11. Reduce the Impact of Disaster and Extreme Weather on Drowning Deaths
SLSQ continues to address and focus on programs, education, information, skills, supervision and recommendations to land managers
and key stakeholders to minimise high-risk aquatic environments.
10
S T R AT E G I C D I R E C T I O N
TO PRE VENT DROWNINGS
11
B E A C H V I S I TAT I O N , P O P U L AT I O N
AND TOURISM TRENDS
Domestically, Queensland continues to record strong growth in
tourism numbers.[2] In the 12 months to March 2016, the number
of Australians visiting Queensland surged 9% to 20.3 million
people. A number of key coastal regions recorded significant
individual growth. This includes Tropical North Queensland,
which saw a 33.5% increase in total visitors to 2.2 million, while the
Gold Coast recorded a 10% growth in total visitors to 3.7 million.
Queensland’s mainland coastline is extensive, stretching more
than 6,000 kilometres from the Gulf of Carpentaria in the west and
Cape York in the north to Point Danger in the south-east. With
more than 700 publicly-accessible beaches, the state boasts some
of the world’s most popular coastal destinations.
Each year, millions of domestic and international visitors arrive
in Queensland to visit its world-famous beaches. Unfortunately,
however, not all of these beachgoers are aware of the potential
dangers they may encounter. The size and strength of currents,
unstable conditions, unpredictable rips, and dangerous marine
creatures can all pose significant and potentially life-threatening
risks for an inexperienced, unprepared and/or uneducated
swimmer.
Queensland population trends
As of December last year, the estimated resident population of
Queensland was 4,808,771, representing a growth rate of 1.3%
when compared to the 12 months prior.[3] This was below the
national average (1.4%) and below Victoria (1.9%), New South
Wales (1.4%) and the Australian Capital Territory (1.4%). Natural
increase was the largest contributing factor to Queensland’s
population growth (53.6%), followed by net overseas migration
(32.5%) and net interstate migration (13.9%).
As Queensland’s population and visitation numbers continue to
increase, so too does the need for SLSQ to expand and build upon
its lifesaving services at all levels across the state.
Beach visitation trends
Projections have tipped Queensland’s population to sit between
8 million and 11.2 million by 2061.[4] Such growth reinforces the
need for SLSQ to continually review and reassess its lifesaving
services to ensure they remain effective and efficient.
Extended periods of warm weather and favourable conditions
in 2015/16 saw large crowds of people flock to one or more of
Queensland’s beaches. Internal records maintained by surf
lifesavers and lifeguards estimate approximately 18.68 million
people visited at least one of SLSQ’s patrolled beaches during the
season. This represents an 18% increase when compared to 15.75
million people in 2014/15, and a 38% increase when compared to
13.5 million people in 2013/14.
YEAR
Queensland tourism trends
BEACH VISITATION*
2012/13
11.37 million
2013/14
13.50 million
2014/15
15.75 million
2015/16
18.68 million
*E stimated beach visitation figures recorded by SLSQ's lifeguards and lifesavers at patrolled
beaches during patrol times only.
Data sourced from Tourism Research Australia[1] indicates that 2.4
million international tourists visited Queensland in the 12 months
to March 2016, representing growth of 10% when compared to
the previous year. It is worth noting that this is likely to increase
in the years to come following recent announcements that EVA
Air and AirAsia X will be boosting their services to Queensland,
resulting in an additional 500,000 visitors each year.
12
1.
International Visitors in Australia. (2016). [online] Available at: http://tra.gov.au [Accessed
25 Jul. 2016].
2.
Domestic Visitors to Queensland and regions. (2016). [online] Available at: http://teq.
queensland.com [Accessed 25 Jul. 2016].
3.
Population growth, Queensland, December quarter 2015. (2015). [online] Available at:
http://www.qgso.qld.gov.au/ [Accessed 25 Jul. 2016].
4.
Queensland Government population projections, 2015 edition. (2015). [online] Available
at: http://www.qgso.qld.gov.au/ [Accessed 25 Jul. 2016].
C O A S TA L B L A C K S P O T S
Each year SLSQ reviews data related to coastal drownings,
surf rescues, preventative actions and other key incidents on
Queensland’s beaches to identify any particular ‘high-risk’ locations.
As the peak authority on coastal and aquatic safety, SLSQ
continues to lead the way when it comes to drowning
prevention and risk mitigation. In 2015/16, SLSQ undertook
the following activities:
• Provided the Queensland Premier and key staff with
SLSQ’s 2015 Coast Safe Report and recommendations;
• Liaised with the Queensland Department of
Environment and Heritage Protection about crocodile
management;
• Briefed the Gold Coast Mayor about coastal
blackspots within his region;
• Met with the Queensland Coroner’s office to discuss
drowning prevention strategies;
• Conducted a review of, and provided input into, the
Australian Water Safety Strategies 2016-2020;
• SLSQ was a member of the Cross Agency Working
Group for North Stradbroke Island as a leader on
coastal safety;
• Increased surf safety community awareness in
Queensland schools;
• Implemented a surf safety community service
announcement campaign during peak periods;
• Partnered with The University of Queensland to
investigate drowning mitigation strategies; and
• Provided high-level advice on dam safety to SEQ
Water.
2015/16 coastal blackspots:
• Gold Coast – Surfers Paradise (Tower 33-35)
• Gold Coast – Southport Spit to Southport SLSC
• North Queensland – Green Island
• Sunshine Coast – Marcoola to Point Arkwright
• Sunshine Coast – Stumers Creek (Coolum to Sunshine Beach)
• Moreton Bay – North Stradbroke Island
• Wide Bay Capricorn – Elliott River Mouth
2016/17 coastal blackspots:
In August 2016, six locations were identified by SLSQ as coastal
blackspots for 2016/17. This includes two locations on the Gold
Coast, two on the Sunshine Coast, one in North Queensland and
one in Wide Bay Capricorn. These are listed below in order of
priority.
• Gold Coast – Surfers Paradise (Tower 33-35)
• North Queensland – Green Island
• Gold Coast – Marina Mirage to Southport Spit
• Sunshine Coast – Discovery Beach to Point Arkwright
• Wide Bay Capricorn – Fraser Island (ocean side)
• Sunshine Coast – Noosa River to Rainbow Beach Tower
For further information on blackspot initiatives, see next page.
Dangerous conditions force the closure of all Gold Coast beaches following Tropical Cyclone Winston.
13
B L A C K S P O T I N I T I AT I V E S
2 015/16
In 2015/16, SLSQ introduced the following initiatives designed to reduce drownings at identified blackspot locations.
LOCATIONS
INITIATIVES
A surveillance service was introduced at Surfers Paradise on weekends through to 7:00pm during the Christmas
holidays to monitor beach usage and proactively discourage would-be swimmers from entering the water after
dark.
GOLD COAST
Surfers Paradise (Tower 33-35)
Local airlines, hotels and tourism agencies were provided with surf safety information and collateral in a bid to
educate potential beachgoers.
Targeted community awareness initiatives were rolled out at Surfers Paradise during Schoolies Week and Chinese
New Year.
GOLD COAST
Southport Spit to Southport SLSC
A roving surveillance was introduced from Sea World Resort to the Southport Spit each weekend over the
Christmas holiday period to monitor beach usage and protect swimmers.
Increased patrols were conducted by WaveRunner 5, WaveRunner 6 and supported by Jet Rescue Boat 2.
Key tourism operators, including Sea World Resort, were provided with surf safety collateral.
A portable and multilingual ‘No Swimming Area’ hazard sign was implemented at Beach 1 to proactively engage
with, and warn, beachgoers.
NORTH QUEENSLAND
Green Island
SLSQ continued to fund a third full-time lifeguard to patrol Green Island 365 days per year.
Standard beach safety signage with emergency marker locations was implemented.
The search and rescue roles of lifeguards and key stakeholders were clearly defined.
The Boardwalk Beach tower was manned by an ALS lifeguard on weekends from September to May.
SUNSHINE COAST
Marcoola to Port Arkwright
An airport welcoming service was implemented over Christmas, providing tourists with multilingual surf safety
information upon arrival.
Surf safety information was distributed to more than 450 accommodation providers to further engage with and
educate potential beachgoers.
SUNSHINE COAST
Stumers Creek
(Coolum to Sunshine Beach)
A rescue water craft service was implemented across the 2015/16 patrol season.
Consistent patrol times were implemented across the season to streamline services.
Local transport and tourism operators were provided with updated surf safety collateral.
MORETON BAY
North Stradbroke Island
SLSQ worked to build closer relationships with key emergency service organisations on North Stradbroke Island.
SLSQ worked with Council to include surf safety messaging in its ‘Caring for Straddie’ campaign.
A permanent camera and emergency response beacon was in place for this season.
WIDE BAY CAPRICORN
Elliott River Mouth
Beach access signage was reviewed to ensure it met Australian Standards.
Worked with Elliott Heads SLSC to conduct roving patrols at Elliott River Mouth during periods of peak visitation.
A lifeguard was stationed at Main Beach (Elliott Heads) to patrol on weekdays and Saturday mornings during the
Easter, September and Christmas holiday periods.
14
B L A C K S P O T I N I T I AT I V E S
2 016 /17
In 2016/17, SLSQ will seek to introduce the following initiatives to reduce drownings at identified blackspot locations.
LOCATIONS
INITIATIVES
Build upon SLSQ’s dusk patrol service at Surfers Paradise, to be rolled out across six weeks during the peak
Christmas holiday period.
GOLD COAST
Surfers Paradise (Tower 33-35)
Trial the use of night-vision camera technology in after-hours beach surveillance at Surfers Paradise.
Continue to educate and engage with domestic and international tourists via SLSQ’s airport welcoming service.
Develop key surf safety collateral for hotels, motels, and tourism operators.
Implement Australian Standard safety signage to identify hazards at key beach access points at Green Island.
NORTH QUEENSLAND
Green Island
Expand upon the use of the Surf Speak booklet to engage with, and educate, international tourists and migrants.
Move forward with trials of Seabob technology and equipment for use in patrol, search and rescue scenarios.
Increase SLSQ’s WaveRunner patrols, with two jet skis operating every weekend and public holiday during SLSQ’s
2016/17 patrol season.
GOLD COAST
Marina Mirage to Southport Spit
Build upon existing relationships with Sea World Resort, providing key surf safety information and collateral to
educate tourists and guests.
Increase surveillance and monitoring of beach usage via SLSQ’s coastal surveillance network, and implement Duty
Officer roving patrols.
Continue to build upon SLSQ's relationship with the Queensland Water Police with regards to search and rescue
operations.
Implement Australian Standard safety signage at six key locations to identify key hazards and potential dangers.
SUNSHINE COAST
Noosa River to Rainbow Beach
Develop surf safety collateral to be distributed on the barge and within localised campsites.
Install key signage to assist with rip identification at campsites and other key locations.
Build upon existing aerial patrols via SLSQ’s Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service to cover Teewah Beach,
Freshwater camping area and Rainbow Beach tower on weekends and public holidays.
Develop key rip awareness and beach safety collateral to help educate and inform beachgoers about potential
dangers.
FRASER ISLAND
Ocean side
Implement Australian Standard safety signage at three barge landing locations and selected campsites.
Conduct extended aerial patrols via SLSQ’s Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service to cover Fraser Island
during peak periods.
SUNSHINE COAST
Discovery Beach to Point Arkwright
Continue to investigate the implementation of an emergency response beacon and surveillance camera on-site to
assist with patrols and after-hours emergencies.
Build upon existing WaveRunner (jet ski) patrols during the September, Christmas and Easter holiday periods.
Investigate the implementation of a 365 day service at Discovery Beach.
Implement a statewide rip awareness campaign across peak periods of beach usage.
STATEWIDE
Develop and roll-out LIMSOC technology to improve the collection and reporting of key statistics and beach usage
trends.
Further develop plans for a statewide, centralised, Surf Communications centre.
Expand and extend SLSQ's emergency response groups in all regions across the state.
15
Hazardous conditions on the Gold Coast Seaway, with
large surf and numerous rips evident along the coastline.
YEAR IN REVIEW
SECTION 02
SERVICES
2 015/16 S N A P S H O T
RESCUES
SLSQ’S TOP 5 BEACHES BY RESCUES: 1. KINGS BEACH (322) 2. SOUTHPORT (184) 3. GREEN ISLAND (169) 4. BURLEIGH HEADS (167) 5. COOLUM BEACH (159)
*EXCLUDES GOLD COAST CITY COUNCIL LIFEGUARDS
352,807
PREVENTATIVE ACTIONS
VOLUNTEER PATROL HOURS
20,895
FIRST AID TREATMENTS
TRAINED IN FIRST AID & CPR
AFTER HOURS CALL OUTS
720,783
H E LIC OP T E R S
BEACH PATROLS
PEOPLE REACHED VIA COMMUNITY AWARENESS PROGRAMS
18
ASSETS
2 015/16 S N A P S H O T
CLUBS
LIFEGUARD
SERVICES
COASTAL CAMERAS
FIXED BEACONS
BEACH & TOURISM TRENDS
2 015/16 S N A P S H O T
INTERNATIONAL TOURISTS
VISITED QUEENSLAND
LARGEST GROWING LOCAL GOVERNMENTS
1. BRISBANE 2. GOLD COAST 3. MORETON BAY
INCREASED VISITORS
TO QUEENSLAND BEACHES
19
1.3%
POPULATION
A member of SLSQ's Dawn Patrol crew keeps
watch over Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast.
CASE STUDY: AFTER HOURS
– DAWN AND DUSK PATROLS
Powerful and unstable surf conditions almost claimed the lives of two early-morning female surfers on the Gold Coast in February
2016. The women had entered the water just before 6:00am, more than two hours before Gold Coast Council lifeguards were due
to commence patrols for the day. However, they soon found themselves in trouble after they were dragged out to sea and lost one
of their boards in the rough surf. A member of the public discovered the surfboard washed up on the shore and alerted police,
prompting SLSQ to launch a mass air, land and sea search for the women.
Thankfully, SLSQ’s dawn patrol crews were already stationed at Surfers Paradise and responded immediately, using rescue water
craft (jet skis) to search a stretch of coastline from Kurrawa to Nobby Beach. After an extensive search, the women were found
clinging to a single surfboard some 220 metres offshore and more than one kilometre from where they had initially entered the
water. While lifesavers were able to respond quickly to prevent a beach-related fatality, it could have easily been a different story.
Operating year-round, from 4:30am in summer and 5:00am in winter, SLSQ’s dawn patrol service was implemented following
a spate of early morning drownings and near-fatalities on the Gold Coast that were occurring before official patrols commenced.
While not a surf patrol in the traditional sense, the service seeks to directly engage with early-morning beachgoers, proactively
warn them about any dangerous conditions, and reduce drownings through preventative actions and community education. Since
2012, crews have directly saved the lives of 39 beachgoers.
In addition, in 2015/16, SLSQ sought to further extend its reach on the Gold Coast through the introduction of a dusk surveillance
service at Surfers Paradise. The service saw lifesavers stationed at the popular location through to 7:00pm during peak holiday
periods to monitor beach usage and proactively discourage would-be swimmers from entering the water after dark. These efforts
ensured that coverage of this blackspot location was extended to more than 15 hours every day during peak periods of visitation.
20
2 015/16 O V E R V I E W
YEAR IN REVIEW
As the peak authority on aquatic safety, SLSQ remains committed
to tracking, investigating and analysing all coastal fatalities and
drowning deaths that occur across Queensland. This process
helps SLSQ identify the need for new services, equipment,
technology and/or other programs in a bid to offer greater
protection to beachgoers and, ultimately, save lives along
Queensland’s coastline.
Figure 2
TOTAL COASTAL FATALITIES (N=28)
VS TOTAL BEACH-RELATED (N=11)
DROWNING DEATHS 2015/16
28
24
Warm weather and favourable conditions across the season saw
large crowds of people flock to Queensland beaches across the
past year. In fact, records indicate there were approximately 18.68
million beachgoers who visited one or more of SLSQ’s patrolled
locations in 2015/16. This represents an increase of more than
18% when compared to 15.75 million the previous year.
20
16
12
8
In total, there were 28 coastal fatalities recorded across the state
in the 12 months from 1 July 2015 through to 30 June 2016. This
represents a 47% increase when compared to a total of 19 last
year. In addition to all coastal drowning deaths, this figure also
includes other coastal fatalities related to medical conditions (e.g.
heart attacks), trauma, boating, self-harm and/or other incidents.
4
0
BEACH-RELATED DROWNINGS
Of those 28 fatalities, 11 have been classified by SLSQ as
beach-related coastal drowning deaths. By comparison, in
2014/15, there were also 11 beach-related coastal drowning
deaths recorded in Queensland.* Tragically, these totals are the
highest annual number of coastal drowning deaths recorded
in Queensland since 2004/05, during which there were 13
drownings.
Figure 1
TOTAL COASTAL FATALITIES 2015/16
(N=28)
It is important to note that all coastal drowning deaths in 2015/16
occurred at unpatrolled locations and/or outside of patrol times.
In 86 years of operation, there has never been a beach-related
coastal drowning death recorded between SLSQ’s red and yellow
flags and, once again, this proved to be the case in 2015/16.
8
6
4
For the purpose of this report, SLSQ defines a beach-related
coastal drowning death as any death caused directly by
immersion or submersion that has occurred in a surf or beach
environment within two nautical miles of shore.
2
Total coastal fatalities: 28
he
r
et
e
rm
Ot
in
e
d
er
W
at
In
te
nt
io
na
lE
nt
ry
In
to
er
ed
ow
Un
p
Total beach-related coastal drowning
deaths: 11
Un
d
at
in
Cr
aft
g
g
Bo
vin
Di
g
or
ke
llin
Sn
di
ng
Ri
im
m
in
Cr
aft
g
0
Sw
COASTAL FATALITIES
*SLSQ’s 2015 Coast Safe Report stated there were ten beach-related coastal drowning deaths
in Queensland during 2014/15. Following the release of this report, the Queensland Coroner
classified an additional fatality as a coastal drowning death, increasing the total number to 11.
21
WHO DROWNE D?
YEAR IN REVIEW
The 30-39 and 50-59 age categories each recorded three
separate coastal drowning deaths. Meanwhile, the 10-19 and
70-79 age categories each recorded two drownings, while one
drowning victim was aged 40-49. By comparison, there were no
drownings recorded in the 0-9, 20-29, 60-69 or the 80-89 age
categories. Interestingly, there has never been a coastal drowning
death recorded within the 0-9 and 90+ age groups since SLSQ
began capturing statistics.
Of the 11 beach-related coastal drowning deaths that occurred
in Queensland during 2015/16, it is pertinent to note that 10 of
these were male (91%). This is slightly higher than the ten year
average of 86.4%, and supports the notion that males are a ‘high
risk’ group, having been traditionally over-represented in state
drowning figures.
Figure 3
In addition to age, gender and location, SLSQ also collects data
on the nationality of all drowning victims, where available. For the
second year in a row, the majority of victims were Australian born
and/or Australian residents. In fact, in 2015/16, 82% of drowning
victims were Australian residents, representing a sizeable increase
when compared to the ten-year average of 58%. By comparison,
two victims, or 18%, were born overseas.
GENDER 2015/16 (N=11)
The average age of beach-related coastal drowning victims in
2015/16 was 44.5 years, up from an average age of 41 years in
2014/15. However, a review of data indicates that people of all
ages are susceptible to beach-related coastal drowning.
Figure 5
NATIONALITY 2015/16 (N=11)
Figure 4
2
AGE 2015/16 (N=11)
82%
3
Australian
Residents
2
9
Australian Resident
Overseas Visitor
1
0
0-9
10-19
20-29
30-39
40-49
50-59
60-69
70-79
While not the case across the past two years, historically,
people from overseas and/or culturally and linguistically diverse
backgrounds have been over-represented in Queensland
drowning figures.
80+ Unknown
22
SLSQ's South Bank lifeguard supervisor uses the Surf Speak
booklet to communicate with international tourists.
Photo credit:
The University of Queensland
CASE STUDY: SURF SPEAK
considered to be a ‘high-risk’ group by SLSQ. In the past ten
years, there were 81 drowning victims on Queensland beaches
and almost 42% of those people were international visitors,
refugees or migrants.
Generally speaking, this high-risk group of international
migrants and tourists tend to lack basic English skills and
have a limited understanding of local beach conditions. When
coupled with inadequate swimming skills, this can often make
for a deadly combination in the surf.
Importantly, Surf Speak allows surf lifesavers and lifeguards
to communicate with international tourists and migrants on
the spot and provide them with timely, accurate and relevant
safety information to educate and protect them on the beach.
In 2015/16 the books were trialled at various beaches
across the state including Green Island, Surfers Paradise
and South Bank.
In 2015 SLSQ launched a powerful new tool to help
Queensland’s surf lifesavers and lifeguards directly engage
with people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD)
backgrounds and communicate vital surf safety messages in
their primary language.
Surf Speak – a water-resistant booklet containing phrases
in 11 different languages – was designed in conjunction with
Mark Schroeder to break down communication barriers and
help lifesavers and lifeguards engage more easily with nonEnglish speaking beachgoers. The booklets feature common
phrases and surf safety messaging in Japanese, simplified
and traditional Chinese, Hindi, Malaysian, German, Arabic,
Indonesian, Korean, Portuguese and Spanish.
A review of coastal drowning data highlights that people
from CALD backgrounds have been over-represented in
both national and state drowning figures and, as such, are
23
CASE STUDY: RISK PERCEPTION
their beach and swimming behaviours, and their subsequent
attitudes when it came to aquatic safety.
Alarmingly, despite 81 coastal drowning deaths in
Queensland alone across the past ten years, 41% of
participants believed the beach was ‘not very hazardous’ or
‘not at all hazardous’.
Interestingly, 72% of respondents rated their overall
swimming ability as ‘average’ or below, while 81% also rated
their swimming ability in the ocean as ‘average’ or below.
Despite this, only 45% of participants indicated they always
swam at a patrolled beach during patrol times. By comparison,
21% indicated they regularly swam at unpatrolled locations,
while a further 25% said they swam at patrolled beaches, but
not always during designated patrol hours.
Additionally, despite rip currents being one of the greatest
hazards on Australian beaches, only 38% of respondents were
confident of successfully identifying one in the water.
Queensland is famous across the world for its beautiful
beaches, reefs and sandy stretches. However it’s important
to recognise there are significant and, at times, life-threatening
dangers associated with swimming in the surf and inland
waters.
From environmental factors such as rips and dumping waves,
or marine creatures such as sharks and crocodiles, the risks
that people face in and around the water are significant and
should be treated as such.
However, despite this, each year there are countless people
who underestimate or ignore the risks associated with
swimming in Queensland waters, putting themselves and
others at risk. While the water might appear calm and relatively
safe from the surface, it can be almost impossible to know
what dangers might be lurking beneath the surface.
A 2015 study conducted by Surf Life Saving Australia
surveyed almost 1,500 Australians aged 16-69 years about
SLSQ lifeguard closes the beach amidst dangerous conditions.
24
WHEN DID THEY DROWN?
YEAR IN REVIEW
The time of all beach-related coastal drowning incidents are also
recorded by SLSQ and grouped into one of eight categories.
The data indicates that 36.4% of all drownings occurred before
8:00am, while 18.2% occurred between 4:01pm-6:00pm. In total,
63.6% of drownings occurred between the hours of 8:01am6:00pm at unpatrolled locations.
Traditionally speaking, summer is generally the busiest period
of time for Queensland’s surf lifesavers and lifeguards, with the
favourable weather and conditions attracting large crowds of
beachgoers. However, this year, unseasonably warm weather
across autumn led to a significantly higher-than-average number
of swimmers on Queensland beaches from March through to
May. In fact, in 2015/16 approximately 4.28 million people visited
one of SLSQ’s patrolled beaches during autumn, representing an
increase of 6.5% when compared to last season.
Figure 7
TIME 2015/16 (N=11)
Summer and autumn were the most common seasons for
beach-related coastal drowning deaths, with each recording four
(36.36%). This represents an increase for autumn, up from two
drownings last year, but no change for summer, which recorded
four drownings in 2014/15. February, March and April were the
most common months of the year for coastal drowning deaths,
with each recording two. There were no drownings in May, July,
August or September.
2
4
64%
2
In 2015/16, six drownings (54.55%) occurred on the weekend,
with five (45.45%) on weekdays. Individually, Saturday, Sunday
and Tuesday all recorded three drownings each, while there were
no drownings on Monday, Wednesday or Friday.
Before 12noon
1
Before 8am
8:01am-10:00am
10:10am-12noon
2:01pm-4:00pm
4:01pm-6:00pm
2
Figure 6
Figure 8
DAY 2015/16 (N=11)
MONTH 2015/16 (N=11)
3
2
2
3
3
3
1
2
1
0
0
M
T
W
Th
F
S
Su
25
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
WHERE AND HOW DID THEY DROWN?
YEAR IN REVIEW
As part of SLSQ’s strategic plan and core business, it records and
analyses all beach-related coastal drowning deaths across the state.
Figure 10
REGION 2015/16 (N=11)
A review of data shows the Sunshine Coast (including Noosa)
recorded the highest number of beach-related coastal drowning
deaths in 2015/16, accounting for 27.3% of the state’s total. This is
relatively consistent with last year’s figures, in which the Sunshine
Coast accounted for 30% of Queensland’s drownings.
On the Sunshine Coast, drownings were recorded at
Maroochydore, Warana, and Kings Beach. There have been
two drownings at Kings Beach in the past ten years, while the
drowning at Maroochydore was the first at that particular location
in 15 years.
North Queensland
Figure 9
BEACH 2015/16 (N=11)
BEACH LOCATION
COUNCIL
Maroochydore, Warana and
Kings Beach
Sunshine Coast Council
Southport Spit, Broadbeach and
Southport Main Beach
Council of the City of Gold Coast
Fitzroy Island and Palm Cove
Cairns Regional Council
Fraser Island
Fraser Coast Regional Council
Teewah
Gympie Shire Council
Redcliffe
Moreton Bay Regional Council
Wide Bay Capricorn
Sunshine Coast
Brisbane
Region
(inc. Gympie)
Gold Coast
Of the 11 coastal drowning deaths recorded in Queensland this
year, it is pertinent to note that 54.5% occurred less than one
kilometre from a patrolled location. Interestingly, 45.5% of all
coastal drowning deaths in 2015/16 occurred more than 2.5
kilometres from a patrolled location, representing a significant
increase when compared to just 20% of all drownings in 2014/15.
Three beach-related coastal drowning deaths occurred on the
Gold Coast, representing 27.3% of the state’s total, while two
drownings (18.2%) occurred in North Queensland. The Wide
Bay Capricorn and greater Brisbane regions each recorded one
coastal drowning death.
The type of activity the victim was participating in has also been
recorded and reviewed by SLSQ. Not surprisingly, the most
common activity was swimming, which accounted for 54.6% of all
drowning victims. A further 27.3% of victims were riding surf craft,
representing an increase from 10% last season. One victim was
engaged in fishing, and two were riding an unpowered craft.
Despite SLSQ’s best endeavours to promote and support safe
swimming practices, it is clear that beachgoers are still risking
their lives by swimming at unpatrolled locations and/or outside
of the red and yellow flags. In fact, all coastal drowning deaths in
Queensland this season occurred outside of SLSQ’s patrolled areas.
26
Figure 11
Figure 12
DISTANCE TO PATROL SERVICE 2015/16
(N=11)
ACTIVITY 2015/16 (N=11)
1
3
2
4
55%
55%
Less than
1km
2
1
1
6
Swimming
Less than 200m
201m-500m
501m-1000m
2501m-3000m
3001m-beyond
2
Swimming
Riding Craft
Unpowered Craft
Undetermined
CASE STUDY: COASTAL FATALITY – REMOTE AND UNPATROLLED LOCATIONS
In early 2016, a beachgoer tragically died after she was found unconscious in the water at an unpatrolled stretch of coast in central
Queensland.
The victim had been snorkelling in rough surf with a small group of friends, approximately 200 metres south of Workmans Beach,
when she was discovered lying face down in the water. It is believed the victim was swept onto some nearby rocks, sustained
serious injuries and lost consciousness.
Paramedics were called to the remote and difficult-to-access location, immediately commencing treatment. A lifeguard patrolling
nearby at Agnes Water was also dispatched by SLSQ to assist QAS officers with CPR. However, despite their best efforts, the patient
was pronounced deceased.
Tragically, this is just one of numerous fatalities, injuries and other incidents that have occurred at remote locations in recent
years. Despite SLSQ’s best endeavours to expand services across the state, beachgoers are still electing to put their lives on the
line by swimming at unpatrolled locations, spurred on by a false sense of confidence and/or a misunderstanding of the potential
dangers they may face.
SLSQ remains committed to protecting beachgoers at all levels across the state. In addition to a continued focus on implementing
effective on-beach strategies to eliminate drownings, SLSQ seeks to roll out strategic educational initiatives to raise awareness
about the dangerous associated with entering the water at unpatrolled locations, and the importance of always swimming between
the red and yellow flags.
27
28
TEN YEARS IN REVIEW
SECTION 03
29
WHO DROWNE D?
TEN YEARS IN REVIEW
T H I S S E C T I O N O F T H E R E P O R T D R A W S O N D ATA R E C O R D E D F R O M
1 J U LY 2 0 0 6 T H R O U G H T O 3 0 J U N E 2 016 , A N D P R O V I D E S A T E N -Y E A R
S N A P S H O T O F C O A S TA L D R O W N I N G D E AT H S D U R I N G T H AT T I M E .
During this period of time, there were 81 beach-related coastal
drowning deaths recorded in Queensland. A review shows that
47 of these drownings (58%) occurred in the past five years,
compared to 34 drownings (42%) in the first half of the decade.
In total 86.4% of all victims across the past ten years were male,
with females accounting for just 13.6%.
Figure 14
GENDER 2006-16 (N=81)
Figure 13
YEAR 2006-16 (N=81)
11
12
11
11
10
10
9
8
8
8
8
7
86%
6
5
Male
4
4
2
0
70
06-07
07-08
08-09
09-10
10-11
11-12
12-13
13-14
14-15
Male
Female
15-16
CASE STUDY: SUCCESSFUL
RESUSCITATION AT MOOLOOLABA
urgent help from other members there at the time.
The group of lifesavers, now totalling five, began
administering first aid and vital CPR including oxygen and
cardiac compressions. Using an Oxy-Viva resuscitator and
defibrillator, they delivered four electrical shocks to the
patient’s heart and continued CPR until he finally regained
a pulse and consciousness. The patient was transported to
Nambour Hospital where he underwent heart surgery.
The calm and decisive response of the experienced surf
lifesavers, coupled with the immediate access to a defibrillator
and oxygen, was vital in delivering a positive outcome to this
incident.
In January 2016 a group of off-duty surf lifesavers
successfully resuscitated a 56-year-old male at Mooloolaba
Beach on the Sunshine Coast after he suffered a suspected
heart attack following an early-morning swim.
The patient had only recently finished participating in a
group swim when he suddenly felt unwell and, with minimal
warning, collapsed on the beach. An experienced surf lifesaver
and a volunteer member of Mooloolaba SLSC witnessed the
incident and immediately sprang into action, running to the
nearby clubhouse to alert emergency services and request
30
A volunteer surf lifesaver from Broadbeach SLSC uses SLSQ's
digital radio network to communicate with SurfCom.
A review of data also shows that 42% of victims were international
tourists, migrants, refugees or other people from culturally and
linguistically diverse backgrounds. The most common foreign
nationalities of drowning victims across the past ten years were
Japanese, Chinese, Korean and British, with each recording five
(6.2%). Importantly, SLSQ continues to use this information and
data to develop targeted surf safety and educational strategies in
a bid to save lives along Queensland’s coastline.
The ages of all victims over the past ten years have also been
recorded by SLSQ. In total, there were 18 beach-related coastal
drowning deaths recorded in the 30-39 years age category,
making it the most common age group. A further 15 victims were
aged between 20-29 years. In the past ten years, there were no
drownings recorded in the 0-9 and 80+ age categories.
Figure 15
AGE 2006-16 (N=81)
Figure 16
NATIONALITY 2006-16 (N=81)
20
18
16
15
13
13
12
10
8
34
7
5
Overseas
Visitor
4
0
0-9
10-19
20-29
30-39
40-49
50-59
60-69
70-79
42%
80-89
47
90+
Australian Resident
Overseas Visitor
31
CASE STUDY: LIFESAVING NIPPERS
three months after completing his Surf Rescue Certificate.
While in the designated surf craft area, he witnessed a
71-year-old male dumped heavily into waist-deep water before
collapsing and failing to resurface. Mitchell’s training and brief
experience as a surf lifesaver immediately kicked in, with the
teenager locating the unconscious patient before successfully
transporting him to shore and alerting the lifeguards on duty.
It was a similar story for 11-year-old Henry Dingle, a young
nipper from Tannum Sands SLSC. In October 2015, Henry
was one of 500 surf lifesavers attending the annual North
Australian Championships in Mackay. While competing in the
under-11 board relay event, one of Henry’s rival competitors
lost her board and sustained a heavy knock after being
dumped by a wave, leaving her dazed and struggling in the
water. Henry immediately stopped racing and paddled over,
using his surf rescue skills to assist and support his fellow
competitor until water safety arrived.
SLSQ’s Nippers and junior lifesaving programs provide
children as young as five years old with a crucial understanding
and awareness of water safety. Participants are initially
introduced to some of the basic principles, before learning
how to protect themselves and others in the water.
Importantly, SLSQ’s youth activities is also a training ground
for future lifesavers, with many nippers progressing through
the ranks before, eventually, putting their skills to use as fullyfledged patrolling members of Surf Life Saving.
From surf awareness through to rescue and resuscitation
techniques, the skills taught to SLSQ’s nippers are lifechanging and lifelong. Regardless of age, SLSQ’s members
continue to provide a vital service to the Queensland
community both on and off the beach.
In January 2016, 15-year-old Mitchell Ruddy was
bodyboarding at Kings Beach on the Sunshine Coast, just
Young lifesavers learn vital skills
through SLSQ's Nippers program.
32
WHEN DID THEY DROWN?
TEN YEARS IN REVIEW
Across the past ten years, March has been the most common
month for beach-related coastal drownings, with 18 (22.2%)
recorded since July 2006. Interestingly, autumn is the most
common season for drownings, with 29 (35.8%) recorded
during the months of March, April and May. The summer months
recorded 28 (34.5%) of drownings, followed by spring with 16
(19.8%) and winter (9.9%).
Figure 18
DAY 2006-16 (N=81)
18
18
15
15
13
12
3
18
S
Su
3
0
M
11
T
W
Th
11
9
8
Figure 19
7
6
6
TIME 2006-16 (N=81)
5
4
3
3
0
F
8
6
6
15
12
3
2
MONTH 2006-16 (N=81)
18
3
10
9
Figure 17
11
3
3
2
7
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
2
11
Dec
3
14
There were a total of 18 drownings (22.2%) recorded on Saturdays
during the past ten years, making it the most common day of
the week for coastal fatalities. Interestingly, this was followed by
Tuesday, which accounted for 18.51% of drownings. There were 13
drownings (16%) on Sundays, and 11 (13.6%) on Fridays.
60%
9
Drownings occur
12:01pm-6:00pm
19
SLSQ also records the time of each beach-related coastal
drowning death, which assists with reviewing patrol strategies
moving forward. A review of data shows the majority of drownings
occurred during the afternoon and evening, with 49 (60.5%)
recorded between the hours of 12:01pm-6:00pm. It is worth
noting that 18 drownings (22.2%) occurred between the hours
of 6:01pm-8:00am, either after or before a patrol service was
present. The exact time of death is unknown for two beach-related
coastal drowning deaths.
33
16
Before 8am
8:01am-10:00am
10:10am-12noon
12:01pm-2:00pm
2:01pm-4:00pm
4:01pm-6:00pm
6:01pm-12:00am
Unknown
WHERE AND HOW DID THEY DROWN?
TEN YEARS IN REVIEW
Across the past ten years, there were 35 (43.2%) beach-related
coastal drowning deaths on the Gold Coast, making it the most
common region for fatalities over this time. By comparison, there
were 21 (25.9%) drownings in the wider Sunshine Coast region
and nine (11.11%) each in North Queensland and the Wide Bay
Capricorn region. There were five drownings (6.2%) recorded in
the greater Brisbane region.
Figure 21
DISTANCE TO PATROL SERVICE 2006-16
(N=81)
18
23
Figure 20
2
REGION 2006-16 (N=81)
2
5
72%
1
2
Drownings from
0-1km
Less than 200m
201m-500m
501m-1000m
1001m-1500m
2001m-2500m
2501m-3000m
3001m-beyond
15
20
9
9
43%
Drownings
Gold Coast
21
35
The type of activity the victim was participating in at the time of
the drowning has also been recorded by SLSQ. Not surprisingly,
the most common activity was swimming, which accounted for
59.2% of all drownings. This was followed by riding craft (11.11%)
and snorkelling (8.6%).
Gold Coast
Sunshine Coast
North Queensland
Wide Bay Capricorn
Brisbane Region
North Barrier
Figure 22
ACTIVITY 2006-16 (N=81)
A review of individual locations shows that Surfers Paradise on
the Gold Coast recorded the highest number of beach-related
coastal drowning deaths in Queensland across the past ten years,
with eight (9.88%). This was followed by Green Island in Cairns,
which has recorded five drownings (6.17%) since 2006. These two
locations have been identified by SLSQ as particularly high-risk
locations for beachgoers.
3
3
2
1
6
59%
7
The distance from an active patrol area and/or lifesaving service
has also been recorded by SLSQ. Tragically, 71.6% of all drownings
occurred less than one kilometre from a lifesaving service,
including 23 drownings within 200m of a flagged patrol area. On
the other hand, 22.2% of drownings occurred more than three
kilometres from a patrol service. This continues a growing trend in
recent years, which has seen beachgoers actively seek out more
remote swimming locations.
Swimming
9
34
48
Swimming
Riding Craft
Attempting a Rescue
Rock Fishing
Fishing
Snorkelling
Unpowered Craft
Unintentional Water Entry
Undetermined
Other
CASE STUDY: ALCOHOL AND SWIMMING
In 2015/16 SLSQ made a concerted effort to re-educate
beachgoers about the dangers associated with drinking alcohol
and swimming. This saw the launch of an extensive ‘Don’t Drink
and Swim’ campaign in a bid to influence positive changes to
behaviour and, ultimately, help save lives.
SLSQ directly engaged with pubs, clubs, restaurants and bars
in and around Queensland’s coastline, providing them with
educational coasters and posters promoting safe swimming
practices. In addition, safety information was distributed to more
than 800 hotels, motels and accommodation providers across
SEQ, also highlighting the dangers of swimming while intoxicated.
Unfortunately, every year, countless beachgoers enter the surf
under the influence of alcohol. Many of these people subsequently
require the urgent assistance of SLSQ's lifeguards and lifesavers to
make it safely back to shore.
Swimming after consuming alcohol is a recipe for disaster.
Not only does alcohol impair a person’s judgement, it can also
significantly slow down their reflexes and lead to unnecessary
risk-taking – an extremely dangerous, and potentially lethal,
combination when it comes to the surf.
35
T O TA L D R O W N I N G D E AT H S B Y C O U N C I L
TEN YEARS IN REVIEW
TOTAL DROWNING
DEATHS 2006-16
COUNCIL
Council of the City of Gold Coast
35
Sunshine Coast Council
11
Cairns Regional Council
9
Noosa Shire Council
7
Fraser Coast Regional Council
4
Gympie Regional Council
3
Redland City Council
3
Bundaberg Regional Council
2
Gladstone Regional Council
2
Moreton Bay Regional Council
2
Livingstone Shire Council
1
Mackay Regional Council
1
Whitsunday Regional Council
1
Brisbane City Council
0
Burdekin Shire Council
0
Cassowary Coast Regional Council
0
Douglas Shire Council
0
Hinchinbrook Shire Council
0
Rockhampton Regional Council
0
Townsville City Council
0
TOTAL
81
36
T O TA L D R O W N I N G D E AT H S B Y B E A C H
TEN YEARS IN REVIEW
BEACH
TOTAL DROWNING
DEATHS 2006-16
BEACH (CONTINUED)
TOTAL DROWNING
DEATHS 2006-16
Surfers Paradise − Gold Coast
8
Sandy Point, Farnborough Beach − Livingstone Shire
1
Green Island − Cairns
5
Fishermans Beach, Emu Park − Wide Bay
1
Sunshine Beach − Noosa Shire
3
Flinders Beach − North Stradbroke Island
1
Kurrawa − Gold Coast
3
Mermaid Beach − Gold Coast
1
Northcliffe − Gold Coast
3
Maroochydore − Sunshine Coast
1
Narrowneck − Gold Coast
3
Broadbeach − Gold Coast
1
Fitzroy Island − Cairns
3
Brighton Beach − Redcliffe
1
Peregian − Noosa Shire
2
Palm Cove − Cairns
1
Teewah Beach − Noosa Shire
2
Warana − Sunshine Coast
1
Kings Beach − Sunshine Coast
2
Noosa North Shore − Noosa Shire
1
Southport Spit − Gold Coast
2
Point Arkwright − Sunshine Coast
1
Alexandria Bay − Noosa Shire
2
Happy Valley − Sunshine Coast
1
Tallebudgera Creek − Gold Coast
2
Caloundra Rivermouth − Sunshine Coast
1
North Gorge − North Stradbroke Island
2
Agnes Water − Gladstone
1
Happy Valley − Fraser Island
2
Currumbin − Gold Coast
1
South Stradbroke Island − Gold Coast
2
Burleigh Heads − Gold Coast
1
Marcoola Beach − Sunshine Coast
1
Pacific − Gold Coast
1
Yaroomba Beach − Sunshine Coast
1
Cornwalls Camping Ground − Fraser Island
1
Discovery Beach − Sunshine Coast
1
Horseshoe Bay, Bowen − Whitsunday
1
Kirra Beach − Gold Coast
1
Bilinga − Gold Coast
1
Southport − Gold Coast
1
Inskip Point, Rainbow Beach − Gympie
1
Dilli Village − Fraser Island
1
Tallebudgera − Gold Coast
1
Innes Park − Bundaberg
1
Honeymoon Bay − Moreton Island
1
Coolangatta − Gold Coast
1
Wild Cattle Creek, Tannum Sands − Gladstone
1
Southport Broadwater − Gold Coast
1
Cape Palmerston − Mackay
1
Southport Seaway − Gold Coast
1
TOTAL
81
37
Blacktip reef shark feeding amongst a bait ball of fish.
38
DANGEROUS
M A R I N E C R E AT U R E S
SECTION 04
39
D A N G E R O U S M A R I N E C R E AT U R E S
SLSQ continues to work closely with external experts, including
James Cook University, in a bid to learn more about these
dangerous marine creatures. Through our partnership with key
agencies, SLSQ remains at the forefront of ongoing research and
regularly collects specimens of dangerous creatures, including
Irukandji and box jellyfish, for the purpose of further study and
examination.
In addition to coastal drowning deaths, SLSQ also tracks and
analyses other key incidents along Queensland’s coastline
including shark and crocodile attacks, and marine stingers. By
monitoring these incidents, SLSQ can identify particular high-risk
locations across the state and introduce preventative measures to
protect beachgoers and minimise risk.
Marine stingers
STINGER FATALITIES
In 2015/16 there was a significant increase in the number of
Irukandji sightings and stings in North Queensland. This influx
came off the back of a ‘perfect storm’ of conditions including
unseasonably warm weather, relatively calm waters and sustained
northerly winds, all of which combined to create an ideal aquatic
environment for marine stingers.
In total there were 28 Irukandji stings recorded in North
Queensland this season, representing an increase of 300% when
compared to a total of seven the year before. The first sting of the
season occurred on 7 December 2015 on Fitzroy Island, while the
last sting of the season occurred on 26 May 2016 at Torres Strait.
January was the most common month of the season for stings,
recording a total of 13, followed by February with eight.
YEAR
LOCATION
OF FATALITY
MARINE
CREATURE
2000
Yarrabah, Cairns
Box jellyfish
2002
Hamilton Island, Whitsundays
Irukandji
2002
Opal Reef, Cairns
Irukandji
2006
Bamaga, Umagico
Box jellyfish
2009
Wongaling, Mission Beach
Box jellyfish
Sharks and crocodiles
SHARK AND CROCODILE FATALITIES
IRUK ANDJI STINGS
YEAR
LOCATION
OF FATALITY
MARINE
CREATURE
1993
Jardine River, Far North QLD
Crocodile
STINGS
2002
Miami Lake, Gold Coast
Bull shark
2007/08
8
2003
Burleigh Lake, Gold Coast
Bull shark
2008/09
10
2004
Opal Reef, Cairns
Whaler shark
2009/10
1
2005
Normanby River, Far North QLD
Crocodile
2010/11
11
2006
Amity Point, North Stradbroke Island
Bull shark
2011/12
16
2009
Daintree River, North QLD
Crocodile
2012/13
2
2011
Bushie Inlet, Cairncross Island, North QLD
Crocodile
2013/14
6
2011
Challenger Bay, Palm Island
Tiger shark
2014/15
7
2014
Rudder Reef, Port Douglas
Tiger shark
2015/16
28
2016
Thornton Beach, Port Douglas
Crocodile
SEASON
2015/16 MARINE STINGS
28
IRUKANDJI
3
40
BOX JELLYFISH
CASE STUDY: SHARK AND CROCODILE MANAGEMENT
As the state’s peak advisory body on coastal safety, SLSQ plays an important role when it comes to shark and crocodile
management, working in partnership with key stakeholder groups to deliver safer beaches.
Shar k mana gem ent
At a State Government level, SLSQ works in consultation with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, which is
responsible for overseeing the Shark Control Program (SCP) across Queensland. SLSQ is also an active member of the Shark Marine
Advisory Group on the Gold Coast, which sees organisational representatives have direct input into the long-term strategy and dayto-day operations of the SCP in Queensland.
SLSQ lifeguards, lifesavers, and the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service all play an active role in shark prevention and
management, particularly as a front-line defence when it comes to monitoring beaches and responding accordingly in the event of
sighting.
SLSQ has statewide operating procedures in place for shark sightings, including guidelines that cover when surf lifesavers and
lifeguards will act to clear the water and close a beach. Amongst other things, these guidelines state that surf lifesavers will close a
beach for a minimum of 60 minutes after a sighting, or until the threat has subsided. If and when this occurs, lifesavers on duty will
liaise closely with beachgoers to communicate these processes and keep swimmers out of harm’s way.
While rare, shark attacks in Queensland waters are a legitimate concern, and one which SLSQ remains committed to addressing in
order to deliver safer beaches to all Queenslanders.
Cro c o dile mana gem ent
The process of monitoring and responding to
the threat of crocodiles is an ongoing challenge for
North Queensland’s lifesavers and lifeguards.
Given the nature of their roles, surf lifesavers
and lifeguards will often be the first line of defence
when it comes to protecting members of the
public against these potentially dangerous marine
creatures. With that in mind, SLSQ has developed
statewide policies and procedures that aim to
protect both swimmers and crocodiles, and
minimise the risk of attack. The priority is public
safety and there is a strong focus on adopting a
preventative and proactive approach.
Once a sighting is confirmed, lifeguards and/
or lifesavers will immediately request that all
swimmers vacate the water, before closing the
beach to the public until such a time that the
crocodile is no longer present or deemed a risk to
the bathing public.
During this time, SLSQ will work closely with
representatives from Queensland Parks and Wildlife Services to record as much information about the crocodile as possible.
SLSQ officials are also active at a local government level, with the organisation having signed Memorandums of Understanding
(MOUs) with Cairns Regional Council, Townsville Regional Council and Hinchinbrook Shire Council. The MOUs touch on a variety of
preventative and reactive measures, encompassing education, training, beach signage, and crocodile relocation and protection.
41
SLSQ's Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter
Service patrols over North Stradbroke Island.
42
OUR SERVICES
SECTION 05
43
S TAY I N G I N T O U C H
WITH OUR SERVICES
Boosting after-hours capacity
• A dusk surveillance service, through to 7pm, was
implemented at Surfers Paradise over the peak holiday
period to monitor beach usage and proactively discourage
would-be swimmers from entering the water after dark;
• Dawn patrols operated along the Gold Coast every day of the
year, performing regular preventative actions and directly
saving the lives of several morning swimmers and surfers;
and
• SLSQ continued to operate its network of coastal surveillance
cameras at selected high-risk locations across the state,
allowing lifesavers to monitor beach usage and conditions
around-the-clock.
Importantly, as the state’s leading authority on coastal safety and
aquatic rescue, SLSQ is committed to building on its services at
all levels to expand our reach along Queensland’s coastline and,
ultimately, help break the drowning cycle.
In the past 12 months alone SLSQ has proactively introduced a
number of innovative strategies, both on and off the beach, in a
bid to educate and protect swimmers.
Key services and initiatives from the 2015/16 season are listed below.
Expanding our reach
• An afternoon roving surveillance was introduced from Sea
World Resort to the Southport Spit each weekend over
the Christmas holiday period to monitor beach usage and
protect swimmers; and
• SLSQ worked with Elliott Heads SLSC to conduct roving
patrols at Elliott River Mouth during periods of peak
visitation.
Education and engagement
• SLSQ introduced an airport welcoming service on the
Sunshine Coast and in North Queensland to greet and
provide international and domestic tourists with vital surf
safety information; and
• SLSQ trialled its inaugural ‘Surf Speak’ booklet at various
beaches across the state to assist lifesavers and lifeguards
in directly communicating with international tourists in their
primary language.
Advancements in technology
• SLSQ continued to transition its statewide operations from
analog to digital radios. Lifesavers and lifeguards across
South East Queensland and Wide Bay Capricorn are now
included within SLSQ’s communications framework, with all
other regions to be rolled out in 2016/17;
• Investigations continued into the effectiveness of the
Seabob, a portable electronic watercraft, in both patrol and
rescue scenarios;
• Trials were conducted into the use of the Seadoo Spark
rescue water craft with volunteer surf lifesavers at Peregian
Beach on the Sunshine Coast; and
• SLSQ investigated the use of iPads on patrol to monitor and
log incidents in real-time, with an expected roll-out of this
technology in 2016/17.
Emergency response groups
• SLSQ’s emergency response groups (ERGs) continued to
strengthen and now operate in all regions across the state.
A number of ERGs were placed on standby during periods of
adverse weather across the state; and
• SLSQ saw an increase in the number of emergency callouts during the past 12 months across all regions, and has
provided assets to assist with incidents in northern New
South Wales.
Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service
• Aerial patrols via SLSQ’s Westpac helicopter continued
across South East Queensland; and
• Patrols were significantly increased during peak periods,
including daily patrols both during and immediately after
Tropical Cyclone Winston.
Night operations
• Night operations training was regularly conducted on
both the Gold and Sunshine Coasts in conjunction with
the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service and the
Queensland Water Police.
44
CASE STUDY: AUSTRALIAN LIFEGUARD SERVICE
– SOUTH BANK SAFETY AMBASSADOR PROGRAM
An innovative new safety initiative rolled out for the past two years at South Bank Parklands is continuing to play a key role in
SLSQ’s efforts to save lives and prevent major incidents at the popular tourist location.
SLSQ’s ground-breaking Safety Ambassador Program was launched at South Bank back in 2013 following the near-drowning of an
unsupervised child. This followed a spate of rescues, also involving unsupervised children, prompting SLSQ to take action and look
at alternate strategies to boost protection.
Thanks to vital support from South Bank Parklands, the initiative sees an extra senior lifeguard on-site during peak holiday
periods. While providing an additional set of eyes to watch over swimmers, the extra lifeguard is also responsible for increasing
engagement with, and education of, visitors and swimmers. Depending on crowd numbers, the lifeguard safety ambassador can be
based in the water, along the shore, or at identified high-risk areas for rescues and other incidents.
The ambassador is tasked with monitoring children in the water and pairing them with parents, liaising with visitors and warning
them about any potential dangers, and proactively encouraging safe swimming practices. If they identify a swimmer out of their
depth or an unsupervised child in the water, they have an opportunity to intervene and take proactive measures to prevent a
potentially serious situation from developing.
Since its inception, the ambassador has performed in excess of 25,000 preventative actions, assisted 887 swimmers, treated 25
first aid patients and rescued 42 people. Feedback from key stakeholder groups has been overwhelmingly positive and, moving
forward, the service will be expanded to include all school holidays and every weekend from September through to Easter.
(top) SLSQ pilot and crewman conduct operational checks of the aircraft prior to flight. (left) SurfCom operator conducting daily patrol sign-on. (right) SLSQ lifeguard on patrol South Bank Parklands.
45
W E S T PAC L I F E S AV E R R E S C U E
HELICOPTER SERVICE
Who we are
What we do
Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2016, the Westpac Lifesaver
Rescue Helicopter Service (WLRHS) is one of the oldest
community-based helicopter rescue services in the world.
Boasting a highly-trained team of skilled men and women,
encompassing full-time professionals and volunteer members,
the service exists to save lives and support SLSQ’s vision of ‘Zero
preventable deaths in Queensland public waters’.
The WLRHS operates two helicopters (Lifesaver 45 and Lifesaver
46) from hangars based on the Gold Coast and the Sunshine
Coast. Both helicopters patrol every weekend of the year
and daily throughout the school holiday periods. Covering a
stretch of coastline from Rainbow Beach to Rainbow Bay, the
service dedicates roughly 700 hours each year to aerial beach
surveillance, shark alerts, and search and rescue missions.
From humble beginnings, when the service was officially launched
on 5 December 1976, the WLRHS has developed into one of
SLSQ’s core lifesaving weapons. Today it operates as a full-time
service with pilots and crew on-call around the clock, 24 hours a
day and 365 days of the year. The service provides vital support
to lifesavers and lifeguards on-the-ground and is regularly tasked
to perform search and rescue missions both on and off the beach.
Crews also work closely and directly with other key agencies
including Emergency Management Queensland, the Queensland
Police Service, and the Australian Maritime Safety Authority to
provide search and rescue services in times of need.
In 2015/16 the WLRHS completed the following:
ACTIVITY
LIFESAVER
45
LIFESAVER
46
TOTAL
Surf patrols
192
209
401
Preventative actions
46
40
86
Rescue support
5
8
13
Rescues
8
9
17
15,140
12,088
27,192
Searches
25
18
43
Flights
233
258
491
Beaches surveyed
The WLRHS continued to experience strong growth and
development in 2015/16, operating with 17 professional staff
including seven pilots, four full-time aircrew and six lifeguards.
They were supported by a team of 26 trained volunteer surf
lifesavers (including nine aircrew and a further 17 rescue
crewmembers).
46
SLSQ Westpac Lifesaver Rescue
Helicopter Service patrols over the
Gold Coast.
(left) Rescue crew enter the water
to conduct a static line rescue.
47
AUSTR ALIAN LIFEGUARD
SERVICE QUEENSL AND
The Australian Lifeguard Service Queensland (ALSQ) is the
professional lifeguard arm of SLSQ and provides crucial aquatic
safety support to governments and councils across the state. The
largest provider of professional lifeguard services in Queensland,
ALSQ operates at more than 70 waterways across the state
including beaches, lagoons and creeks. Many of these sites are
patrolled 365 days of the year.
ORGANISATION
A leader in aquatic and coastal safety, ALSQ sets an international
benchmark through nationally-accredited training, highly-skilled
and experienced staff, and continued best practice operations.
Each year Queensland’s professional lifeguards are required to
undertake regular fitness testing and professional development
to ensure they maintain and enhance their patrol and beach
management capabilities.
In 2015/16 ALSQ was comprised of 63 permanent lifeguards
and an additional 338 casual employees. Collectively, the team
boasted 1,642 collective years of experience between them and
more than 1.5 million career patrol hours.
This season ALSQ lifeguards performed 16,284 first aid
treatments, 700,567 preventative actions and saved 1,536 lives.
48
YEARS OF
SERVICE
Port Douglas Shire Council
1
27
Cairns Regional Council
10
27
Cassowary Coast Regional Council
3
21
Queensland Parks and Wildlife
1
1
Hinchinbrook Shire Council
1
21
Townsville City Council
10
26
Burdekin Shire Council
1
24
Whitsunday Regional Council
1
8
Mackay Regional Council
5
25
Livingstone Shire Council
2
24
Gladstone Regional Council
2
24
Bundaberg Regional Council
7
24
Fraser Coast Regional Council
1
24
Noosa Shire Council
6
4
Sunshine Coast Council
21
4
Gympie Regional Council
1
23
Moreton Bay Regional Council
1
21
South Bank Corporation
1
24
Redland City Council
3
23
Council of the City of Gold Coast
3
3
TOTAL: 20 PARTNERS
SLSQ lifeguards protecting beachgoers on the Sunshine Coast.
NUMBER OF
SERVICES
81 SERVICES
CASE STUDY: SUNSHINE COAST LIFEGUARDS
through the integrated service, including emergency and afterhours support, a dedicated rescue helicopter, and year-round
rescue water craft (jet ski) services.
In September 2012, the Sunshine Coast and Noosa Shire
Councils announced plans to contract out their respective
lifeguard services to the Australian Lifeguard Service
Queensland (ALSQ). While the decision was questioned by a
small minority at the time, the benefits to local communities,
councils, and individual lifeguards four years down the track are
overwhelmingly positive.
Since its appointment, SLSQ has worked in consultation with
both councils to develop and implement a fully-integrated
lifeguard service on the Sunshine Coast. Importantly, the
opportunity to align and streamline professional lifeguards
alongside SLSQ’s other services, including volunteer and
helicopter patrols, has significantly boosted protection for all
beachgoers.
From an individual perspective, council lifeguards transitioning
across to SLSQ have been, and continue to be, provided with
targeted opportunities for career progression and development,
along with increased access to world-class equipment. As the
only accredited white-water rescue agency in Queensland, SLSQ
also seeks to provide all lifeguard staff with nationally-recognised
public safety and emergency care training.
Meanwhile, the local community has benefited significantly from
the additional resources that were made available to lifeguards
Key benefits to the community:
• A fully-integrated service, boosted by the presence of a
dedicated rescue helicopter available 365 days of the year for
search and rescue missions;
• Around-the-clock beach safety, with lifeguards supported
by an extensive network of emergency beacons, coastal
surveillance cameras, and 24/7 emergency response groups
operating across the Sunshine Coast and Noosa; and
• Year-round rescue water craft services aligned with Sunshine
Coast’s lifeguard services.
Lifeguard benefits:
• Access to state-of-the-art facilities, with the opportunity to
test and trial new technology as part of SLSQ’s commitment
to continuous improvement;
• Extensive career development opportunities across the state,
both on and off the beach; and
• Access to nationally-accredited and internationallyrecognised training opportunities.
49
A Q U AT I C A U D I T I N G
AND RISK ASSESSMENTS
Queensland Coroner
• SLSQ provided the Queensland Coroner’s Office with a copy
of all aquatic public safety risk assessments.
As the peak advisory body on coastal safety, SLSQ continues to
conduct public safety risk assessments on beaches and inland
locations across Queensland, with a number of positive outcomes
resulting from this service.
Drowning data analysis
• Analysis of coastal drowning death information was provided
from the NCIS database.
SLSQ’s Coast Safe division is the strategic and intelligence arm
of the organisation, tasked with gathering data on beaches and
waterways to establish a framework to deliver safer aquatic
environments. The division offers services to all levels of
government, councils, land managers and the tourism industry
to assist with reducing the risk of injury and deaths along
Queensland’s coastline and other public waterways.
Blackspot identification
• Identification of key Queensland blackspots was based on
an extensive review of drowning data, non-fatal drownings,
rescues, preventative actions, first aid treatments and
visitation numbers.
Considered to be the most comprehensive beach safety
management program in the world, Queensland has benefited
greatly from the assessments and audits undertaken as part of
this program.
Standard approach to beach safety signage
• SLSQ continued to advise and lobby all land managers,
stakeholders and councils to implement a standard approach
to beach safety signage, directly relating to current Australian
standards and the National Aquatic and Recreational Signage
Style Manual.
In the past 12 months SLSQ worked in consultation with key
stakeholder groups to conduct coastal and aquatic safety audits
at numerous locations across the state. This process sees SLSQ’s
experienced team conduct on-site assessments to identify
compliance requirements and analyse public safety risks, hazards
and conditions.
Internal beach-related coastal drowning investigations
• SLSQ continued to conduct extensive internal investigations
into all beach-related coastal drowning deaths.
Challenges
When it comes to its coastal audits and aquatic risk assessments,
SLSQ has identified the following challenges:
• Increased rates of low to poor swimming ability amongst
school students aged 5 to 17 years;
• An unwillingness amongst local governments and land
managers to implement Australian Standard aquatic safety
signage;
• The continued use, amongst local governments and land
managers, of internal style guides for safety signage at
aquatic locations, rather than adopting national-standard
style guides;
• An inconsistent approach to aquatic safety amongst tourism
operators; and
• Limited resources to effectively advocate and manage
drowning prevention strategies.
This season also saw SLSQ maintain the employment of a
dedicated coastal safety officer to facilitate and conduct
assessments of key blackspots across the state, and to suggest
recommendations for improving water safety.
Across the past 12 months, the following initiatives were
undertaken by SLSQ.
Coastal and aquatic safety audits
SLSQ conducted public safety risk assessments at the following
locations:
• Townsville City Council beaches;
• Broadwater Parklands swimming enclosure;
• Tallebudgera Creek and swimming enclosure;
• Gold Coast Recreation Centre;
• Wellington Point; and
• Various other SEQ waterways including Ewen Maddock,
Baroon Pocket, Wivenhoe and Somerset Dams, Lakes
Atkinson, Moogerah, and Enoggera Reservoir.
50
CASE STUDY: SEQWATER AQUATIC AUDIT
In May 2016, SLSQ was commissioned to undertake an aquatic audit and risk assessment of several lakes and dams managed by
Seqwater in a bid to reduce the risk of injury and drowning. Amongst others, these locations included Lake Moogerah, Somerset
Dam, Wivenhoe Dam and the Enoggera Reservoir.
The audit included an assessment of all potential hazards in and around the water, a review of usage and visitation, and an
extensive evaluation of Seqwater’s existing aquatic safety strategies. This process saw SLSQ identify a number of risks including,
but not limited to, submerged objects, steep banks and drop-offs, strong currents and fast moving water, and boating traffic.
One of the key recommendations coming out of the audit was the need to install standardised aquatic safety signage, with
emergency location numbers, which clearly identify and communicate any potential hazards. This included signage relating to both
swimming and boating safety.
In addition, SLSQ also recommended the installation of a boom enclosure system (swimming enclosure) at nine sites managed by
Seqwater to protect swimmers and ensure a clear separation with boat users.
In total, SLSQ submitted in excess of 20 high-level recommendations to Seqwater in a bid to reduce potential dangers and offer
greater protection to swimmers and visitors.
SLSQ continues to work closely with various councils and land managers to proactively save lives through aquatic audits and
effective risk mitigation strategies.
Lake Moogerah
51
ENGAGING WITH
OUR COMMUNIT Y
Breaka Beach to Bush
Off the beach, SLSQ continues to work hard in the community to
engage with, and educate, potential beachgoers as a crucial part
of breaking the drowning cycle.
Historically speaking, beachgoers who live more than 50
kilometres from the coast have been over-represented in both
state and national drowning figures. With that in mind, each year
the Breaka Beach to Bush program sees qualified surf lifesavers
hit the road and visit primary schools in some of Queensland’s
most remote and rural communities to help spread vital beach
safety messaging.
Each year SLSQ delivers a wide range of community awareness
programs, which aim to change behaviour and save lives through
an increased understanding of our key beach safety messages.
In fact, in the past 12 months SLSQ directly educated 720,783
people about how to protect themselves and their family and
friends while on the beach.
School children, and particularly those in rural communities, are
often less familiar with the surf and its potential dangers. Beach
to Bush provides SLSQ with a crucial opportunity to engage with
young children, provide them with an introduction to surf safety,
and equip them with the knowledge and skills to keep them safe in
the water. While primarily focusing on surf and beach safety, the
skills and information taught to the children can also be applied
to any type of water situation including rivers, dams, creeks,
pools or waterways. In recent seasons, lifesavers have travelled to
communities as diverse as Chinchilla, Cooktown, Biloela, Roma
and Moranbah to name a few.
Importantly, this frontline and targeted approach allows members
of the public to make informed, and potentially life-saving,
decisions about their personal safety and wellbeing before even
stepping foot on the beach.
While SLSQ’s public awareness initiatives are generally designed
to educate all members of the community, there is also a series
of programs that have been tailored to target specific high-risk
groups, including:
• Men aged 18-25 years
• Rural populations
• International and domestic tourists
• People from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
• School students
Having operated across Queensland since 1998, the program has
developed into one of the largest and most innovative surf safety
initiatives in Australia. Since its inception, more than 275,000
school children have been educated through the program,
including 14,116 in 2015/16 alone.
52
(left) Lifesavers educating students as part of the Breaka Beach to Bush program. (top) Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and Minister Grace Grace announce additional funding of SLSQ's On The
Same Wave Program. (middle left) International tourists educated about surf safety at Burleigh Heads. (middle right) Minister Kate Jones and UQ Vice-Chancellor Peter HØj help lifesavers spread surf safety
messages as part of Queensland Week. (bottom) Community Awareness activity and education books.
53
Little Lifesavers
Through the program, surf lifesavers in full patrol uniform run
children through a practical 45-60 minute session which includes
information on surf safety, rescue techniques, dangerous marine
creatures, and the importance of sun safety.
Established in 1993, SLSQ’s award-winning Little Lifesavers
program has developed into one of SLSQ’s most popular water
safety initiatives. At its heart, Little Lifesavers is designed to
engage with young children aged 5-11 and introduce them to
basic water safety skills in a controlled and fun environment.
While designed to be fun, unique and engaging for students, it
also seeks to equip them with lifelong and potentially lifesaving
skills and awareness to manage their own risk at the beach.
The program is designed to ensure that kids have fun in the water
while, at the same time, introducing them to some of the basic
principles of surf safety through the guidance of experienced surf
lifesavers. Participants are also taught general rescue techniques
and first aid and, if nothing else, these are vital skills they can take
with them for the rest of their lives.
Pop-up beach clinics
SLSQ’s pop-up clinics provide swimmers with vital and on-beach
information sessions to help keep themselves, along with their
friends and families, safe in the water.
In recent years Little Lifesavers has expanded to include programs
at several locations across Queensland including the Gold Coast,
South Bank Parklands in Brisbane, Raby Bay, the Sunshine Coast,
Bundaberg, Mackay, Townsville and Cairns Esplanade Lagoon.
Clinics can be tailored to suit a wide range of audiences, ranging
from international and overseas tourists with limited English,
through to young children and students with minimal experience
on the beach.
On The Same Wave
A wide range of crucial skills are taught through the program
including where, when and how to swim safely, and how to spot a
rip in the water. The program underpins SLSQ’s bid to save lives
along Queensland’s coastline by providing beachgoers with basic
and practical skills, along with an understanding and appreciation
of the potential dangers they may face when swimming in the surf.
SLSQ’s On The Same Wave program is a vital educational initiative
targeting international visitors and Queenslanders from culturally
and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds.
The initiative sees trained surf lifesavers deliver free surf safety
educational sessions for children, migrants and refugees, both
on and off the beach. The program also sees SLSQ attend key
multicultural events and festivals across the state, where surf
lifesavers distribute translated beach safety information in more
than 25 different languages.
In 2015/16, some 57,450 potential beachgoers were educated via
the program.
SLSQ Beach Safe Schools Program
SLSQ’s Beach Safe Schools Program delivers vital surf safety
messages to primary school children via classroom education
sessions from fully-qualified surf lifesavers and lifeguards. Each
year the program travels to schools across Queensland, educating
students about how to stay safe on the beach and in all waterways.
Young children learn about water safety in SLSQ's Little Lifesavers program.
54
CASE STUDY: AIRPORT WELCOMING
Every year, millions of domestic and international
travellers fly into Queensland to visit our state’s beautiful
beaches. However, many of these tourists are unaware of,
and unprepared for, the dangers they could potentially face.
The size and strength of the surf, treacherous rips
and gutters, and dangerous marine creatures can all
pose significant risks for inexperienced beachgoers.
Furthermore, many cultures do not understand the
significance of the red and yellow flags, with some tourists
believing they signify a private swimming area. With that
in mind, SLSQ is committed to implementing positive and
proactive strategies to engage with potential beachgoers
and educate them about how to stay safe in the water.
For a number of years now, the Beach Safe program has
seen fully-qualified surf lifesavers stationed at the Gold
Coast airport during peak periods to greet international
and domestic tourists when they step off the plane,
educating them about vital surf safety information. The
program provides lifesavers with an important opportunity
to encourage tourists to make educated choices about
their safety before even stepping on to a beach.
In 2015/16 the program was expanded to include Cairns
Airport and the Sunshine Coast Airport. Passengers flying
into these locations during designated hours were greeted
by surf lifesavers in full patrol uniform and provided with
a fold-out map listing every patrolled beach in the region,
along with a list of patrol hours and multilingual surf safety
messages. In North Queensland there was a particular
focus on educating beachgoers about marine stingers.
Safety messages were distributed in 15 different languages
including Chinese, Korean, Arabic, Japanese, Portuguese
and Spanish to name a few.
Lifesavers educate tourists about water safety via SLSQ's airport welcoming service.
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Crystal Cascades, Cairns.
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I N L A N D W AT E R S
SECTION 06
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I N L A N D W AT E R S
Inland aquatic deaths – three year snapshot
Each year, SLSQ invests a considerable amount of resources into
protecting beachgoers through surf patrols and other safety
initiatives. However, in addition to its work along Queensland’s
coastline, it is important to note that SLSQ is also committed to
reducing and, ultimately, eliminating drownings in other bodies of
water across the state.
From 1 July 2013 through to 30 June 2016, there were a total of
114 aquatic deaths at inland locations across Queensland. This
includes 40 fatalities in 2013/14, 41 in 2014/15 and 33 last season.
Aquatic drownings and fatalities were recorded at a wide variety
of locations. The most common location was rivers, which
accounted for 32.46% of all drownings. This was followed by dams
(18.42%) and creeks (15.8%).
A recent change to SLSQ’s overarching vision now sees the
organisation working towards the broader goal of ‘Zero
preventable deaths in Queensland public waters’. In addition to
beaches, this also encompasses dams, rivers, lakes, lagoons and
all other publicly-accessible bodies of water.
The majority of victims of inland aquatic drownings were male.
A total of 88 victims (77.20%) were male, compared to just 26
females (22.80%).
SLSQ has begun to record, track and analyse all deaths and
drownings at inland locations. Moving forward, this will provide
a framework for developing and implementing risk management
strategies in a bid to protect swimmers and eliminate drownings.
The average known age of victims were 42.7 years, slightly above
the median age of 40.5 years. Tragically, the youngest victims
were aged just two years while, in comparison, the oldest victim
was aged 90.
Inland aquatic deaths – 12 month snapshot
Future challenges and opportunities
In the 12 months from 1 July 2015 through to 30 June 2016, there
were a total of 33 aquatic drownings at inland locations across
Queensland. This figure excludes drownings which have occurred
in public and private pools, along with beach-related coastal
drowning deaths and fatalities, but includes all other confirmed
cases of aquatic drownings which have occurred at Queensland
waterways and have been closed by the Coroner’s Office at the
time of print.
Following a review of inland aquatic fatalities, SLSQ has identified
a number of key challenges moving forward when it comes to
reducing, and ultimately eliminating, inland aquatic fatalities.
Additionally, SLSQ has also identified the following opportunities
to help protect local residents and international tourists.
• Adopt and increase appropriate and consistent aquatic safety
signage at high-risk aquatic locations across Queensland;
• Implement key programs designed to further improve the
swimming ability of Australian residents from all age-groups,
and particularly across high-risk demographics;
• Further develop educational programs designed to improve
knowledge and understanding of aquatic risks and dangers; and
• Build upon SLSQ’s 24/7 emergency response capacity in all
key locations across the state.
Aquatic drownings were recorded at a variety of inland locations
in 2015/16, with the three most common being rivers (33.33%),
dams (21.21%) and creeks (18.18%). There were also drownings
recorded in bays, canals, falls and quarries.
Like coastal drowning deaths, the majority of victims of inland
aquatic drownings were male. In total, there were 23 male victims
(69.7%), compared to just ten females (30.30%).
Patrolling Queensland ‘public waters’
While the average known age of victims was 42.9 years, the data
shows that victims come from a variety of age categories. The
oldest victim was aged 90, with the youngest just five years of age.
With more than a century of surf lifesaving experience to its name,
SLSQ has directly saved the lives of more than 135,000 people
along Queensland’s coastline since its inception. Importantly, in
recent years, SLSQ has begun transferring its extensive beach
experience and expertise to numerous ‘flat water’ and inland
aquatic locations.
The type of activity the victim was engaged in at the time of the
incident has also been recorded by SLSQ. The most common
activity was swimming, which encompassed 24.24% of all inland
drownings. This was followed by intentional entry into water (selfharm) with 18.18% and fishing with 12.12%. Boating and riding
unpowered craft each accounting for 9.1% of drownings.
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With its clear blue waters and seemingly calm conditions,
Tallebudgera Creek on the Gold Coast has long been a popular
swimming spot for locals and tourists alike. However, strong
tides, fast moving currents and a tendency for swimmers to
overestimate their ability in the flat water have all combined in the
past with fatal consequences.
CASE STUDY: AQUATIC SAFETY
AUDITING – CRYSTAL CASCADES
Each year SLSQ directly saves the lives of thousands
of beachgoers through surf patrols and educational
initiatives. However, outside of this frontline approach,
SLSQ is also committed to working with councils, local
governments, land managers and other key stakeholders
to improve aquatic safety at inland locations, including
lakes and dams, through the early identification of potential
hazards in and around waterways.
In July 2015 Cairns Regional Council engaged SLSQ to
conduct an extensive aquatic audit and risk assessment
of the Crystal Cascades in North Queensland, following a
number of drownings, injuries and other incidents at the
location. It was recognised that many of these incidents
were occurring at times when the location was not
monitored.
Following an extensive audit and review of the site, SLSQ
identified the need for the installation of standardised
aquatic safety signage to communicate with, and warn,
visitors about potential dangers at the location. In addition,
SLSQ also recommended that council install emergency
marker locations to assist QPS, QAS and other key agencies
pinpoint the exact location of an injured swimmer during
incidents or times of need.
In a positive reflection of the importance placed on
the audit undertaken, Cairns Regional Council has been
working with SLSQ to roll out standardised signage in a bid
to reduce incidents and eliminate drownings at the popular
tourist destination.
Only a few years ago Tallebudgera Creek was regarded as one
of Queensland’s deadliest aquatic locations, following four
drownings in the 15 years from 1999 to 2013. At the time this
ranked it amongst the top five highest drowning blackspots in
Queensland, and the third highest on the Gold Coast behind
Surfers Paradise and Kurrawa.
In 2013, following the near-drowning of a family of five, SLSQ
partnered with Neptune Life Saving Club and the City of the
Council of Gold Coast to provide patrol services at Tallebudgera
Creek during peak periods. This sees SLSQ’s Australian Lifeguard
Service patrol on weekdays and peak periods. This decision has
proved lifesaving in the most literal sense. Since 2013 SLSQ’s
lifeguards have performed 65,168 preventative actions to protect
swimmers at Tallebudgera Creek, treated 808 first aid patients,
and rescued 387 swimmers.
Similarly, in 2013, SLSQ implemented a patrol service at Southport
Broadwater following two fatalities in 12 months. It was noted by
SLSQ that these deaths could have been avoided had an active
patrol service been in place at the time. An initial trial period
proved successful and, since then, SLSQ’s Australian Lifeguard
Service has patrolled year-round. Since 2013, lifeguards at
Southport Broadwater have performed 50,261 preventative
actions, 955 first aid treatments and rescued 242 swimmers.
Importantly, SLSQ’s commitment to saving lives extends well
beyond the beach. Moving forward, SLSQ will continue to adopt
proactive strategies in a bid to protect swimmers and eliminate
drownings at all of Queensland’s public waters.
33% RIVERS
21% DAMS
18% CREEKS
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CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES
Moving forward, SLSQ has identified a number of key challenges and opportunities when
it comes to reducing, and ultimately eliminating, fatalities and drownings at coastal and
inland aquatic locations.
CHALLENGES
SLSQ has identified the following challenges when it comes to eliminating drowning
deaths:
•Increased rates of low to poor swimming ability amongst school students aged 5
to 17 years;
•An unwillingness amongst local governments and land managers to implement
Australian Standard aquatic safety signage;
•The continued use, amongst local governments and land managers, of internal
style guides for safety signage at aquatic locations, rather than adopting
national-standard style guides;
•An inconsistent approach to aquatic safety amongst tourism operators; and
•Limited resources to effectively advocate and manage drowning prevention
strategies.
OPPORTUNITIES
Additionally, SLSQ has also identified the following opportunities to help protect
local residents and international tourists:
•Adopt and increase appropriate and consistent aquatic safety signage at highrisk locations across Queensland;
•Implement key programs designed to further improve the swimming ability of
Australian residents from all age-groups, and particularly across high-risk demographics;
•Further develop educational programs designed to improve knowledge and
understanding of coastal and aquatic risks and dangers; and
•Build upon SLSQ’s 24/7 emergency response capacity in all key locations across
the state.
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ME THODOLOGY AND RE SE ARCH
Methodology
Drowning data analysis
Contained within SLSQ’s 2016 Coast Safe Report is information and
data obtained by SLSQ major incident notification forms, witness
reports, and media analysis. This information has been verified
with National Coronial Information System (NCIS) data for coastal
drowning deaths for the period 1 July 2015 to 30 June 2016 by
appointed SLSQ representatives.
SLSQ collects data and information on key coastal incidents
and fatalities from SurfGuard’s incident report Database (IRD),
SurfCom, SLSA, the NCIS, and media reports. This information is
verified and compiled for analysis by SLSQ’s Lifesaving Operations
Department.
The following variables are used to match drowning cases from
more than one data source: incident date; location; age; gender;
and incident description. For the purpose of the 2016 Coast Safe
Report, SLSQ reports on beach-related coastal drowning deaths.
While all care has been taken to ensure that statistical information
included within this report is accurate, please note that data
may be amended over time following the outcome of coronial
investigations that are ongoing at the time of print.
Drowning data limitations
Capability and rescue analysis
As part of the NCIS process, some cases are amended prior to
their closure, resulting in changes to the classification of cases in
our datasets. Therefore, the number of coastal drowning deaths
published in this report may differ slightly from annual totals
previously reported. It is noted that our current year’s data may
change with closure of investigations. Once a closure occurs
to NCIS cases, SLSQ can modify undetermined cases, those
with unknown intent, and those where the cause of death is not
drowning.
SurfGuard, the Incident Report Database (IRD), and SurfCom
management system are web-based applications making up
part of a suite of applications that enables members, clubs,
branches and states to enter and access Surf Life Saving data.
This data includes operational (including rescues, preventative
actions and first aid treatments), capability (including assets and
services), educational and administrative. Information extracted
from SurfGuard can be used to identify how many rescues were
performed by volunteers, lifeguards and support services during
the 2015/16 patrol season.
All deaths known to have occurred in coastal waters have been
included as coastal drowning deaths, unless otherwise stated.
It is important to note an additional drowning was confirmed
during the 2014/15 season after the 2015 Coast Safe Report had
been released, taking the total for that year to 11.
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GLOSSARY
Advanced Resuscitation Techniques - A certification providing
the skills and knowledge required to use specialised equipment in the
provision of resuscitation, in line with the Australian Resuscitation Council
(ARC) guidelines.
ALS - Australian Lifeguard Service.
Acquatic environment - Areas such as coastal and inland beaches and
waterways, swimming pools and their facilities, and other bodies of water,
slurry and other agricultural and industrial liquids storage.
Attempting a rescue - An effort to retrieve a person in distress and
deliver them to a place of safety.
AWSS - Australian Water Safety Strategy.
Bay - A body of water partially enclosed by land but with a wide mouth,
affording access to the sea.
Beach - A beach is a wave-deposited accumulation of sediment –
usually sand, but ranging in size up to boulders – deposited between the
upper swash limit and wave base.
Beach-related coastal drowning death - A death by immersion or
submersion that has occurred in a beach environment.
Blackspot - An area with a high concentration of coastal/ocean
incidents and a high probability/risk of ongoing recurrence.
Boating - Individuals using either a powered vessel or sailing boat for
pleasure and/or fishing.
Coastal drowning death - Where the location of the drowning is on the
coast, in the ocean up to 2NM offshore.
COD - Cause of death.
Creek - A small stream that can be shallow and can be an inlet into a
shoreline.
Crude drowning rate - A comparative rate of drowning to the size of
the population in that area.
Dam - A barrier constructed across a waterway to control the raise or
flow of a body of water.
Dangerous surf warning - An alert issued by the Bureau of
Meteorology indicating that surf conditions in an area are unsafe for
coastal activities. The warnings are calculated based on wave height,
swell direction and swell period.
Designated swimming area - A patrolled location that identifies a zone
for swimming and bodyboarding. Indicated by red/yellow horizontally
divided flags which are set after performing a risk assessment to
determine the most suitable area for swimming.
Drowning - The process of experiencing respiratory impairment
from submersion/immersion in liquid; outcomes are classified as death,
morbidity and no morbidity.
Estuary - A partly enclosed coastal body of water with one or more
rivers/streams flowing into it with a connection to the open sea.
Emergency response - An action taken by an SLS entity in response to
a call for assistance from an emergency management organisation.
Emergency response plan - Plan outlining the specific actions to be taken,
as well as how, when, by whom and why during an emergency/incident.
Falls - A large volume or small natural stream of flowing water into a
creek or river.
Falls (trips/slips) - An event which results in a person coming to rest
inadvertently on the ground or other lower level.
First aid - Assessments and interventions that can be performed by a
bystander (or by the victim) with minimal or no medical equipment.
First aider - A person with formal training in first aid, emergency care,
or medicine who provides first aid.
Fishing - The act of catching fish.
Foreign ethnicity - Individuals who identify with a cultural group other
than Australian based on heritage, language or shared customs. This
identification is extrapolated from reported data such as the individuals’
country of birth and the main language spoken at home.
Hazard - The source of potential harm.
Incident - Any unplanned event requiring lifesaving services
intervention.
ILS - International Life Saving Federation.
Inland - an area that is beyond the high water line or within a landward
distance of 5 times the width of the coastal inlet/river mouth and is an
aquatic influenced environment located within land boundaries.
Inlet - A small or narrow inland opening to the coastline
International - An individual who is confirmed to reside overseas and/
or is a temporary visitor to Australia.
IRB - Inflatable rescue boat.
Inshore - A shoreline in the fringe of land at the edge of a large body
of water.
Jetty - A man-made structure that projects out into water from land.
Jump(ing) - The activity of launching off a cliff, rock platform, pier, jetty.
Lake - An inland body of water surrounded by land.
Leisure activity - An activity commenced on land such as play, walking,
jogging or cycling.
Lifeguard - An individual that undertakes patrols at a beach or another
aquatic environment. This is typically a salaried member, qualified in
public safety and aquatic rescue.
Lifesaver - An individual that undertakes patrols at a beach or another
aquatic environment. This is typically a non-salaried member, qualified in
public safety and aquatic rescue.
Lifesaving service - A coordinated group that exists to provide aquatic
safety services to the public. This includes surf and life saving clubs,
lifeguards, SurfCom, rescue water craft, rigid hull inflatable boats, jet
rescue boats, offshore rescue boats, and helicopter and 4WD units.
Local Government Area (LGA) - Also known as local councils, LGAs
include cities, towns, shires, municipalities or boroughs.
Marina - A boat basin offering dockage and other service for small craft.
NCIS - National Coronial Information System.
NM - Nautical miles.
Ocean drowning death - Where the location of the drowning is in the
ocean further than 2NM offshore, but no further than 12NM.
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Offshore - Beyond the surf zone.
Open ocean - The seabed, water and air space above the water
between 2NM and 12NM (the Australian territorial waters limit) offshore.
Operations support - Rapid response rescue units, not affiliated to any
specific surf life saving club.
ORB - Offshore rescue boat.
Other - An uncommon known activity not otherwise listed (e.g.
paragliding, aircraft crash, fall from pier).
Patrol - Service undertaken to monitor activities in/around an aquatic
environment and respond accordingly through either preventative
actions or rescue operations.
Patrolled location - A location supervised by a lifesaving service.
Preventative action - Direct action taken to reduce or eliminate the
probability of a specific rescue, first aid or other reportable incident from
happening in the future. Note: A preventative action will be recorded as
the singular activity taken (i.e. clearing the water for lightning will be one
action. The number of people warned/altered as a result of this action will
be recorded separately as a warning).
Prevention - Where intervention by a lifesaving resource averts a
person/s from getting into a potentially life-threatening situation.
Public awareness - The process of informing and engaging the
community as to the nature of the potential hazards and actions required
to mitigate associated risk.
Public waters - Any freely-accessible waterway including, but not
limited to, beaches, rivers, creeks, dams, lakes, lagoons and streams; this
excludes commercial and private swimming pools, as well as household
waters such as bath tubs, sinks and backyard containers.
Rescue - Retrieving a person in distress, delivering them to a place
of safety and the application of first aid and basic life support as may be
required.
Resuscitation - Preservation or restoration of life by establishing and
maintaining a person’s airway, breathing and circulation.
Riding craft - A piece of non-powered recreational and/or sporting
equipment used in the surf and other aquatic environments including
surfboards and boogie boards.
Rip current - A seaward flowing current of water moving through a surf
zone.
River - A natural stream of water flowing into an ocean or bay.
Rock/cliff - A rock platform that may or may not have a high steep face.
Rock/cliff related - An activity besides fishing that is performed on a
rock platform or off a groyne.
Rock fishing - The act of attempting to catch fish from a coastal rock
platform.
RWC - Rescue water craft - sometimes called a personal water craft.
Scuba diving - Engaging in recreational or commercial scuba diving.
Search - An operation involving lifesaving services and facilities to
locate person/s in distress.
Search and rescue - The process of locating and rescuing persons
missing or in distress and the application of first aid and basic life support
as may be required.
Service gap - An area identified as having an inadequate level of
resources to meet public safety demands.
Service season and hours - Vary between states due to climatic
factors, but in the context of this report, the season is for the period July
2015 to June 2016.
SLSA - Surf Life Saving Australia.
SLSQ - Surf Life Saving Queensland.
Snorkelling - Swimming with a snorkel and face mask.
Standard operating procedure - A set of directions detailing what
actions could be taken, as well as how, when, by whom and why are the
procedures for conducting certain activities.
Stream - A continuous flow of water.
Suicide - The act of deliberately killing oneself.
Surf Life Saving Club - An SLS affiliated not-for-profit organisation
which has volunteers members who provide coastal safety services to the
community.
SurfCom - SLS radio communications centre which assists in managing
the communications of lifesaving operations and data collection.
Swimming - To move through water by moving the body or parts of the body.
Territorial sea - The seaward limits of Australia’s maritime zones, from
the coastline to 12NM from the low tide line.
Total Service Plan - An assessment of current and future lifesaving
resources, trends, national blackspots and coastal safety issues combined
with evidenced-based mitigation strategies to address these issues.
Undetermined - Cases that are not associated with a closed coroner’s
report on NCIS are often left ‘undetermined’ until an official cause of
death has been determined. Some examples are cases where bodies have
been found washed up on the beach; reports of individuals struggling
in coastal environments are made and the bodies are not found/missing
persons reports are not made; or a suspected heart attack in a coastal
environment rather than death due to immersion. These deaths will
all be followed up on and the incident category updated once coroner
determinations are made accessible.
Unintentional water entry - Accidental entry into the water and/or
entry into an aquatic environment that was not intended.
Unpatrolled location- An area that has no service, is not monitored or
not patrolled.
Unpowered craft - A piece of non-powered recreational and/or
sporting equipment used in the surf and other aquatic environments.
Examples include kayaks and canoes.
Wading - To walk through water while partially immersed.
Watercraft - A piece of non-powered recreational equipment used in
the water. Examples include surfboards, stand-up paddle boards, boogie
boards, windsurfers or kayaks.
WLRHS - Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service.
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Surf Life Saving Queensland
Surf Rescue House, 18 Manning Street, South Brisbane QLD 4101
PO Box 3747, South Brisbane QLD 4101
+61 7 3846 8000 • lifesaving.com.au
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