in recent years. From 27 December 2017 to 28 January 2018, SLSQ conducted multiple stinger drags on the western side of the island, from Moon Point to Wathumba. SLSQ also engaged with campers, boaters, swimmers, and other beachgoers, providing them with vital information on marine stingers and beach safety. SLSQ is appreciative of Hervey Bay VMR for its assistance with transporting lifeguards to and from Fraser Island.
Other key initiatives In addition to its targeted blackspot initiatives, SLSQ also delivered a number of other services across the season to increase safety at all public waterways. These included: • SLSQ’s third annual Coast Safe Report was released in September 2017 to highlight drowning and aquatic safety trends on Queensland beaches and all inland public waterways; • Designated patrol hours were extended across the state during peak holiday periods to cater for an increased number of beachgoers; • SLSQ representatives attended various Queensland Government-led forums, including roundtable discussions on crocodile management and school-based water safety programs; • Etty Bay SLSC transitioned across to digital radios, ensuring that all clubs are now operating under the same radio network and linked in with SLSQ’s State Operations and Communications Centre; • Aerial patrols via the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service were increased both during and immediately after extropical cyclone Linda; • SLSQ maintained its network of coastal cameras, now totalling 47, at selected beaches and high-risk areas across the state; • Night operations training was regularly conducted on the Gold and Sunshine Coasts in conjunction with the Queensland Water Police; • Dawn patrol services on the Gold Coast continued to operate 365 days a year, as did SLSQ’s State Operations and Communications Centre; • SLSQ’s recommendations from the Reef Safety Roundtable were implemented into Queensland’s dive industry standards; • Lifeguard services continued at Tallebudgera Creek, Southport Broadwater, and Paradise Point during peak holiday periods; • SLSQ continue to work with both local and state governments via its seat on the Local Disaster Management Group and State Disaster Coordination Group, with the organisation placed on standby to assist during ex-tropical cyclone Linda; and • SLSQ continued to operate a dedicated phone number, available 24/7, for emergency service agencies to request urgent assistance.
BRISBANE LIFESAVING SERVICE SLSQ’s Brisbane Lifesaving Service continues to provide a vital service to Queensland communities while, at the same time, supporting a number of surf clubs across the state with additional patrolling members. In 2017/18, the service’s 60 members combined to perform more than 1,381 patrol hours at various beaches including Rainbow Bay and Bilinga.
ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18
19