BEACH goers at North Stradbroke Island have been urged to drink plenty of water and apply sunscreen to avoid heat-related stress.
The advice has come from Point Lookout Surf Life Saving Club president Sean Fallon, who said he expected between 500 to 1000 people on any given day, during warm and calm weather, at the island’s swimming beaches.
His guidance has come after patrols recommenced last weekend at Cylinder and Main beaches following the cooler weather break.
While Mr Fallon said dehydration and heatstroke were top reasons why those at the beach might need help, he also issued other safety instructions.
“Swim between the flags and read the signs before you go out into the water,” he said.
A club spokesperson said surf life saving volunteers would conduct patrols every Saturday and Sunday until May next year, with shifts beginning at 8am on weekends and extending to 6pm throughout summer.
The spokesperson said the club’s volunteer surf lifesavers would also man jetskis to patrols waters from Main Beach to Amity point.
“(They) check on beachgoers and campers at Frenchmans, Deadmans, Home and Flinders beaches on the way,” the spokesperson said.
While about 600 people are members of the Point Lookout Surf Life Saving Club, only about 100 have volunteered for patrol duties.
To help out as a volunteer surf life saver, visit lifesaving.com.au/membership/getinvolvedor phone 3846 8000.
