By Ron Lane
A RECENT media release from Queensland Surf Life Saving has listed Noosa’s Main Beach as the second best in the state and the best on the Sunshine Coast at which to spend the holiday period.
This supports the reported holiday bookings for our town. All indications point to this being one of the biggest seasons on record.
This being the case, then it is only right that on behalf of all our patrolling lifesavers in both Noosa and Sunshine Beach Surf Clubs plus lifeguards, we take the opportunity to wish our visitors, one and all, a welcome and safe and happy Christmas.
However, with beaches experiencing massive crowding it is only natural that some people (and sadly families) will seek to avoid the crowds and travel to those beautiful but unpatrolled beaches, which are located within the boundaries of our famous national park.
So it is that the team at Noosa Today, in support of our beach patrols, will once again take the opportunity to pass on a few tips that we hope visitors and locals will take on board – and, above all, remember.
Before walking, be it from Sunshine Beach or Noosa – and it is your first time, please have a chat with the people in the red and yellow uniforms. You will find they are only too happy to give some advice – that’s part of their job.
The walk through the national park is indeed a family affair and it is while on this excursion that some will experience the inevitable.
Following the paths along the cliffs tops they will suddenly see one or maybe a group of people in trouble, not only in trouble but also in an unpatrolled area.
When this happens, the action to take is simple.
Quickly grab a mobile phone and dial triple zero and give the following information. It’s called the four P’s.
People – number of swimmers, e.g. three;
Problem – caught in rip;
Position – Granit Bay, 100 metres out. Give a marker.
Progress – in a group, nobody helping.
Once this is done remain where you are.
Then get a towel, a shirt or something you can wave, so if need be you can help direct the IRB rescue team.
But, most important of all, remain where you are. This could be vital.
The other simple advice is when tempted to swim in an unpatrolled area such as Tee Tree Bay – don’t. However, if you do swim, please leave your children safely on the beach.
Holiday visitors are requested to remember that the roving IRB patrols are only there as a courtesy; their rostered area at both Noosa and Sunshine Beach is between the red and yellow flags.
If seas are big and the Patrol Captain is concerned about his area, sometimes the IRB teams will be required to remain in the immediate vicinity.
Always remember the Red and Yellow Army is there to protect and serve, however – “If We Can’t See You, We Can’t Save You.”
Have a safe and happy Christmas.
