ISLAND’S LIFELINE

Swimmer dies as app targets tourists at blackspot

A TRANSLATION app to make it easier for surf lifesavers and lifeguards to communicate with foreign visitors is to be trialled at one of Queensland’s most notorious drowning blackspots.

Green Island, 27km east of Cairns, has been identified as one of the worst along the state’s coast.

There have been seven drownings in the past 10 years.

Yesterday an Indian tourist died after being pulled from the water.

SURF lifeguards and lifesavers will trial a translation app to help them communicate with foreign tourists to boost safety at one of the worst drowning locations in Queensland.

Green Island, off Cairns, has yet again been identified as one of the state’s five coastal black spots, after there were seven deaths in the water at the popular Great Barrier Reef tourist destination during the past decade, including one this week.

Police will prepare a report for the coroner following the death of a 56-year-old Indian national at Cairns Hospital yesterday.

The man, understood to be a tourist, had been pulled unconscious from the water off the island on Tuesday.

Two lifeguards were on duty nearby at the time and came to his aid when they were alerted by members of the public. The man was flown to hospital for treatment.

Lifesavers also rescued an 11-year-old boy, who got into strife while he was swimming between the flags off the island yesterday.

Surf Life Saving Queensland, which will today release its annual Coast Safe Report, says aquatic safety will be boosted at the island to try to save lives.

North Queensland manager Rob Davidson said during the past 12 months a perma- nent lifeguard tower, increased surf safety education and continued trials of drone technology had been implemented.

He said drone trials and operations would continue in the season ahead. Lifeguards and surf lifesavers were set to roll out a dedicated “Surf Speak” app to allow direct communication with international beachgoers in their primary language.

“Historically, a lot of drownings at Green Island have involved international tourists and travellers who don’t always have a lot of experience in the ocean or an understanding of the dangers associated with swimming outside of the flags,” he said.

He said 2017/18 had been a busy year for the region’s lifesavers and lifeguards, with 24 beach closures throughout the period as a result of crocodiles.

The report also identifies nine suspected irukandji stings across Queensland during the period, down slightly from 10 the previous financial year.

Fire and Emergency Services Minister Craig Crawford said his department would continue to work with SLSQ to improve beach safety and to monitor any dangers in the water this season.

“I encourage all beachgoers to observe the direction of lifesavers and swim between the red and yellow flags,” he said.