North Stradbroke Island beachgoers are in safe hands with Council today signing a contract with Surf Lifesaving Queensland to provide lifesaving services on Straddie beaches for the next three years.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said Council’s commitment meant professional lifesaving services would be provided year round at Main and Cylinder Beaches as well as at Adder Rock during key holiday periods.

“Straddie is a very popular destination for tourists, particularly during school holidays and this agreement shows Council’s commitment to keeping all visitors and residents safe,” she said.

“Straddie has some remote and hazardous beaches all of which host a large number of tourists each year, many of whom have little to no local knowledge about Straddie beaches.

“As such it is important lifesaving services are provided by professionals with the necessary knowledge to protect beachgoers.

“Surf Lifesaving Queensland has been contracted by Council to patrol Straddie beaches since 2000 and has been providing an excellent service.”

Division 2 Councillor for North Stradbroke Island Craig Ogilvie said SLSQ not only provided critical lifesaving services, but also helped in up skilling local volunteer lifesavers.

“Local volunteer lifesavers from Point Lookout Surf Life Saving Club also help to patrol beaches and this agreement will enable the volunteer lifesavers to work alongside the professionals,” he said.

“This means they can learn from the professionals, expanding their surf lifesaving knowledge and ultimately providing a better service to beachgoers.”