Flag message ignored

SWIMMERS are still not getting the message to stay between the red and yellow flags with 22 people rescued on Gold Coast beaches on the first day of 2018.

Twenty-two rescues were performed from Southport to Rainbow Bay with 20 swimmers pulled from the surf outside the flags.

SLSQ Gold Coast duty officer Jack McNeil said 15 of the swimmers rescued by lifesavers yesterday were under the age of 18.

He said 10 of the swimmers were male and the other 12 were female.

“It is a reminder parents need to keep a close eye on their kids,” Mr McNeil said.

Almost 40,000 people enjoyed the overcast but steamy weather on Gold Coast beaches yesterday.