FLAGS TO GO FROM ALL COAST BEACHES
THE red-and-yellow flags across beaches on the Gold Coast will be put away, with volunteer lifesavers to conduct surveillance patrols only from today.
Surf Life Saving Queensland Gold Coast regional manager Lachlan Sherrington said safety equipment and surveillance patrols would be on the beach, but fewer lifesavers would be on patrol.
“We want to respect the Government’s decision at the moment, that is for people to stay home,” Mr Sherrington said.
“We are balancing the welfare of our members with the safety of the general public by moving to this surveillance patrol.
“At present the beaches aren’t closed and there hasn’t been a government announcement to close the beaches.
“We are looking for beachgoers and the general public to heed the health warning at the moment.
“The safest place for themselves and our own members is to be at home.”
Mr Sherrington said he understood people would still go to the beach, which is why safety equipment and surveillance patrols would still be in place.
“We understand people do need to get out and be healthy and active.
“But the message from the
Government is stay at home.
“That’s why we are having a balance right now of minimal people at the clubs.
“We’ve suspended all activities at the clubs outside of our operations service.
“We are increasing operation service patrols to increase safety standards.
“We’re looking for our members to be reduced and public activity on the beach to be reduced as well.”
The decision from SLSQ has meant the City of Gold Coast is reviewing its operations on beaches but said professional lifeguards will continue their usual service this weekend.