Gold Coast beachgoers will benefit from extended patrol hours this summer as lifeguards and volunteer surf lifesaving clubs ramp up efforts to ensure safety during the bustling holiday season. With an influx of locals and tourists flocking to the coastline, the initiative aims to prevent accidents and educate swimmers about responsible behaviour in the surf.
From Saturday 14 December to 31 January, a team of 280 lifeguards will patrol 42 Gold Coast beaches daily, from 7:30 am to 6:30 pm, providing vital assistance to beach visitors during the busy holiday period. The City’s Summer Surf Safety campaign is also targeting high-risk groups such as young adult males and international tourists, urging them to prioritise safety and follow essential rules when in and around the water.
Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate is encouraging all residents and visitors to swim smart this summer.
“We ask all Gold Coasters and visitors to be responsible and follow some simple rules when they visit the beach these holidays,” Mayor Tate said. “Make sure you always swim between the flags and keep a close eye on your children at all times. Avoid swimming at night and don’t swim under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.”
A Call to Swim Between the Flags
The importance of swimming between the red and yellow flags cannot be overstated. Tragically, earlier this year, two international visitors drowned outside the flags on Gold Coast beaches. Such incidents highlight the unpredictability of ocean conditions, particularly during summer. Gold Coast Chief Lifeguard Chris Maynard warned that even calm-looking waters could quickly turn dangerous.
“This month, ocean conditions have been particularly hazardous,” Maynard explained. “Light easterly winds and consistent east swell have been causing strong rips close to shore. Even if the water looks calm, the ocean can be unpredictable, with conditions changing suddenly.”
Already this summer, lifeguards have rescued 390 people and carried out over 8,000 preventative measures, reinforcing the critical role they play in saving lives. These figures serve as a stark reminder of the risks associated with ignoring safety guidelines, particularly during peak swimming periods.
Why Beach Safety Campaigns Matter
The City’s Summer Surf Safety campaign is a cornerstone of efforts to reduce incidents on the coast. This year, the campaign is doubling down on surf safety education for high-risk groups. Young adult males and international visitors remain the most vulnerable, often underestimating the power of the ocean or misjudging conditions.
The campaign also stresses that lifeguards can only assist those within their line of sight. “If lifeguards can’t see you and you get into trouble, they can’t save you,” Mayor Tate said.
With many international and out-of-state visitors unfamiliar with local beach safety protocols, the campaign’s messaging focuses on simple but vital rules:
- Always swim between the red and yellow flags.
- If there are no flags, don’t swim.
- Keep a close eye on your children at all times.
- Never swim at night or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- FLOAT to SURVIVE if caught in a rip—don’t fight it, float with it.
- Signal for help by waving your arm if you’re in trouble.
Increasing Patrol Coverage for a Safer Summer
The extended patrol hours align with the surge in visitors expected over the Christmas and New Year holidays. With crowds increasing, so do the risks—particularly when beachgoers venture outside patrolled areas or ignore safety advice. Lifeguards will continue to expand their presence on the coastline to keep pace with demand, ensuring swimmers have access to assistance when needed.
“This, coupled with a surge in population and tourism, means we will continue to expand our patrols and ensure the community is aware of the important rules that will keep them safe when they visit our beaches,” Maynard said.
Stay Safe, Enjoy the Waves
The Gold Coast’s beaches are some of the most iconic and inviting in the world, but they require respect and responsibility from all who visit. By swimming between the flags and adhering to surf safety rules, beachgoers can help lifeguards do their job effectively and ensure a fun, memorable, and safe summer by the sea.
So, whether you’re a local enjoying your favourite stretch of sand or a tourist visiting for the first time, make beach safety your priority. After all, there’s no better way to enjoy the Gold Coast’s stunning coastline than to swim smart and stay safe.
