Sunshine Coast Council funding boost will see increased beach patrols

Surf lifesaving patrols will increase during busy holiday periods following Sunshine Coast Council’s decision to increase its allocation for this service to $4.84 million in the 2019/20 budget.

Funding has increased by $236,000 which will provide an additional 4,914 patrol hours across the Sunshine Coast including at Kings, Mooloolaba, Maroochydore and Coolum beaches.

The additional services will run between September and May and will include a new roving lifeguard service between Marcoola and Twin Waters.

Additional services will continue to be added in the future, including introducing patrols at Bokarina from September 2020.

Lifeguard services are delivered by Surf Life Saving Queensland (SLSQ) on behalf of the Council.

Advising that the additional funding would further address the key recommendations endorsed by council in the Sunshine Coast Lifeguard Services Plan 2018-22, Sunshine Coast Mayor Mark Jamieson stated “our world-class beaches are one of the outstanding features of our Sunshine Coast.

“They offer a fantastic experience - whether in the waves or on the sand – and we want those experiences to be safe for everyone.

“That is why our partnership with SLSQ is so important.

“As a healthy, smart and creative region, our continuing partnership with SLSQ helps to ensure our residents and visitors enjoy our beaches – and keep coming back to do so.”

SLSQ Chief Lifeguard Greg Cahill said the additional services would help ensure the safety of the growing number of people who visited the region’s beaches every year.

Cahill noted “the increased presence of lifeguards on the Coast will greatly assist in the delivery of our service and I thank the Sunshine Coast Council for their continued investment in the safety of both locals and visitors alike.”