| When you're taking the family on a Sunshine Coast | | | | beaches reputation or drive away the tourist trade. |
| holiday, one of your first trips will be to the beach. | | | | They are working double time to offer solutions to |
| From Caloundra in the south to Noosa in the north, | | | | the problem and see to it the area will be enjoyed |
| this beautiful stretch of Australian coastline boasts | | | | by all. |
| some stunning beaches. | | | | Extra patrols and professional lifeguards are on patrol |
| Confidence in beach safety is essential for your | | | | at all times to ensure enjoyment of the beaches by |
| peace of mind. You want to feel certain that your | | | | all. The Sunshine Coast Council provides a year-round |
| family will not be in any danger so you can relax and | | | | lifeguard service for its beaches. The visitor need not |
| enjoy your holiday. The recent oil spill which affected | | | | be concerned about safety issues. They can relax |
| SE Queensland's beaches has proved devastating for | | | | and enjoy the glorious surf, sun and sand. |
| some resorts on Moreton Island. Many Asian visitors | | | | Volunteer life savers also patrol the beaches to offer |
| have pulled out of their bookings. However, the | | | | a hand particularly during busy times. They wear red |
| island's beaches have recently been given a clean bill | | | | and yellow lifesaver uniforms so as to be easily |
| of health by an independent environmental expert. | | | | identifiable to anyone who might need them. All |
| Sunshine Coast beaches finished off their clean-up | | | | lifeguards receive extensive training in rescue |
| five weeks after the oil slick struck. | | | | techniques, resuscitation and lifesaving procedures. |
| Visitors staying in Sunshine Coast accommodation can | | | | Those who enjoy the water do not have to be |
| expect to find the same pristine beaches that they | | | | concerned for their safety. The lifeguards use the |
| have come to associate with the region, along with | | | | most up-to-date lifesaving equipment available. In |
| clean water for swimming, surfing or sailing. | | | | addition they have access to jet skis and defibrillators |
| In addition to safe swimming conditions, the ocean | | | | for extreme circumstances. Helicopter rescue |
| along the Sunshine Coast has been given the all clear | | | | services and other emergency services are also |
| for fishing. Testing on seafood samples revealed no | | | | available. |
| evidence of contamination and water quality testing | | | | It is always wise for the tourist and the beach visitor |
| by the Environmental Protection Agency and | | | | to use caution and common sense. Many accidents |
| Australian Institute of Marine Science found that oil | | | | can be avoided by taking the simplest of precautions |
| levels were below detectable levels. | | | | and avoiding excessive activity. Beach goers are |
| There has also been concern about the increase in | | | | encouraged to be considerate of those around them |
| surf rage. It seems there are some who do not wish | | | | at all times. |
| to share these beautiful beaches. But a Noosa pilot | | | | The visitor to the Sunshine Coast can feel confident |
| scheme has been developed by a group of people | | | | that they will enjoy a lovely breather from their |
| who are interested in becoming proactive about this | | | | normal routine when they vacation on the beautiful |
| problem. They refuse to let it damage the beautiful | | | | coastal shores. |