The increased popularity of a Sunshine Coast beach has prompted Council to extend the presence of lifeguards in the area.
Sunshine Coast Division 2 Councillor Terry Landsberg said professional lifeguards would continue to be a daily presence at Happy Valley Beach, Caloundra until May.
Cr Landsberg said the seven-day service would then reduce to weekends, public and school holiday coverage across the winter months.
He said it had been a busy holiday season and, with the foreshore generally protected from large surf and the large sand bars exposed at low tide, this beach continued to draw an increasing number of bathers.
“In previous years, a Tier 4 service level was provided, only covering weekends, school and public holidays.
“With the changes to the landscape, increased visitation and growing number of incidents over the last few months, we decided to maintain a higher of service in this location.”
Surf Life Saving Queensland State Regional Operations Manager Aaron Purchase said the service change was a proactive step by Council and SLSQ to increase bathing safety in the area.
“The use of the patrol flags will make it easier for the public to identify the best place to swim in the area and will, in turn, make it easier for Lifeguards to manage the area,” Mr Purchase said.
Cr Landsberg said Sunshine Coast beaches were patrolled by volunteer lifesavers every weekend and on public holidays from 7am to 5pm during the summer season.
“This vital service supports lifeguard patrols which occur year-round,” he said.
