Qld: Quiet day on Queensland beaches

AAP General News (Australia)
12-25-2001
Qld: Quiet day on Queensland beaches

BRISBANE, Dec 25 AAP - Despite searing heat, volunteer surf life savers today reported
a relatively quiet Christmas Day on the beaches of south-east Queensland.

No rescues were recorded at the Gold Coast and three first-aid treatments were undertaken
by life savers at the Sunshine Coast.

The first aid treatments involved an 18-year-old man with a suspected dislocated knee
at Maroochydore, an 18-year-old woman with suspected heat exhaustion at Bullcock Beach,
and a kite surfer who suffered a sprained ankle at North Caloundra.

Surf Life Saving Queensland spokeswoman Elissa Keenan said most beaches were relatively
quiet with up to 200 visitors per beach at any one time.

Ms Keenan said Surf Life Saving Queensland had stepped up patrols for this holiday
season, with extra lifesavers on duty performing longer patrol hours.

She said tomorrow was traditionally the busiest day of the year for life savers.

"Life savers in south-east Queensland can expect more than 100,000 beach-goers to hit
the sand on Boxing Day," she said.

"In preparation for this, there will be approximately 150 volunteer life savers on
the beach at any one time and in support roles such as communication command centres,
jet boats, and the Westpac Lifesaver Helicopters."

Beach visitors are urged to swim only in patrolled areas.

AAP pjo/jnb

KEYWORD: SURF QLD

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