The Gold Coast is famous for its golden sands, curling waves and perfect beach conditions. Boasting almost 60 kilometres of pristine coastline, it is no wonder our region is one of Australia’s most popular destinations for beachgoers.
With that in mind, it is important for boaties on the Gold Coast to consider safe boating practices when in the proximity of bathing areas patrolled by Surf Life Saving Queensland volunteer surf lifesavers and council lifeguards.
DESIGNATED SWIMMING AREA in a surf zone is defined as the area extending 400 metres out from shore between the red and yellow surf patrol flags. In all other areas, including creeks and canals, a swimming area is defined as the area extending 60 metres out from shore between signs for swimmers.
BOATING TIPS around the red and yellow flags:
- You must stay 60 metres away, or reduce your speed to six (6) knots if within 60 metres, from people in the water or the boundary of a bathing reserve.
- Personal water craft (PWC) operators must check and abide by local operating guidelines for appropriate distances from bathing reserves and coastal beaches.
- Professional fishermen operating boats near bathing reserves should advise Patrol Captains and/or lifeguards in order to help them best protect the bathing public.
- All owners and operators, masters and crew members, must ensure the ship is safe, properly equipped and crewed, and operated in a safe manner.
- Ensure the vessel can be stopped in time to avoid any danger which arises suddenly (e.g. swimmers, Surf Life Saving watercraft, including jet boats and RWCs).
- Persons on a boat or PWC should always wear a life jacket to give emergency services the best chance to reach you in the case of an accident or incident.
DANGER SPOTS are present on the Gold Coast. There are a number of traditional ‘danger spots’ to be mindful around, where boating incidents have a history of occurring. The locations to take extra caution in are the following:
- Gold Coast Seaway
- Southport Broadwater
- Tallebudgera Creek
- Currumbin Creek and other river mouth accesses
SAFETY is always a priority. It is important to always remember and consider all safety factors before heading out and spending a day on the water, including weather conditions, seaworthiness of the vessel, communications, and other regulatory requirements.
Check out the conditions at your nearest beach at beachsafe.org.au, or by downloading the BeachSafe app available on iPhone and Android.
By Saira Manns, Surf Life Saving Queensland
