A busy season wraps up for volunteer lifesavers

Surf lifesavers will raise the red and yellow flags for the final time this weekend, marking the end of the volunteer patrol season.

North Queensland volunteer lifesavers administered more than 170 first-aid treatments and rescued four swimmers in distress.

Lifesavers from Mission Beach up to Port Douglas often handle many experiences unique to the region; and from 179 first-aid treatments performed this patrol season, 60 incidents were treating marine stingers.

From April, members sacrificed in excess of 6,700 patrol hours and performed 2,463 preventative actions.

Volunteers from Etty Bay and Mission Beach will continue to patrol for another week, through to December 5th.

SLSQ North Queensland Regional Operations Manager Jen Rees said the region’s volunteers had done an outstanding job during the season.

“To perform so many actions which have kept our visitors safe, shows the training and commitment of our members,” she said.

“We’re extremely pleased with our volunteers’ efforts this season to keep beachgoers safe and ensure they have an enjoyable time.

“Our clubs should be very proud of their work and progress they’ve made this season towards the many aspects of the lifesaving service.

“We thank all members for their commitment and time to keep visitors safe.”

Professional lifeguards will continue to patrol North Queensland beaches.

The statistics above cover the period of April 2 2021 to November 21 2021 for our volunteer service only.