RESPONSE TO NOTICE OF MOTION - TRIAL OF REMOTE RESCUE TUBES/LIFE RINGS AT UNPATROLLED BEACHES · Report

GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING                                                       19 JANUARY 2026


•   SLSQ is leading the implementation of standard public rescue tube boxes as an approach to
    drowning prevention in Queensland. The installation of publicly accessible rescue equipment
    aims to bridge this gap by giving bystanders a simple flotation aid that can be deployed in the
    critical minutes before emergency services arrive. International examples have demonstrated
    the value of this approach. Hawaii has led the way, with more than 200 rescue tube stations
    installed across the islands, directly credited with saving over 150 lives – Source - Coast Safe
    Report 2024/2025, page 32.
3. Noosa National Park trial
On 20 May 2025, Council was notified by SLSQ that QPWS had provided written approval to NWSR
to trial 4 rescue tubes in the Noosa National Park. The locations are proposed between Granite Bay
and First Point.
4. Noosa Shire Lifesaving Services
Noosa Council works closely with SLSQ and affiliated surf lifesaving clubs to deliver lifesaving
services to the community. SLSQ is recognised as the State’s peak coastal safety and rescue
authority. An overview of services provided to the community is provided below:
Surf Lifesaving Clubs – Three lifesaving clubs operate within Noosa Shire which include Noosa
Heads, Sunshine Beach and Peregian Beach. These clubs operate on a seasonal basis between
the September school holidays through to the May long weekend.
Lifeguard Services – SLSQ provide year-round services at Noosa Main Beach, Noosa Main Beach
West, Sunshine Beach and Peregian Beach as well as seasonal services at Peregian and Sunrise
Beach via formal agreement.
Support Services – SLSQ enhances coastal safety through additional resources, including:
     •   State Operations Communication Centre – Centralised coordination and monitoring.
     •   Waverunner Patrols – Proactive patrols and rapid response capability for in-water incidents.
     •   Westpac Helicopter Rescue Service – Routine patrols and aerial support for emergency
         situations.
Beach Signage – There are 67 formal beach access points within Noosa Shire, spanning from the
northern Noosa North Shore boundary to southern Peregian Beach. Each access point features
SLSQ endorsed safety signage to inform and protect beach users.


Cameras and Emergency Beacons
•   SLSQ has implemented the Coastal Safety Network (CSN) to reduce incident risk through
    strategic installation of cameras and emergency response beacons at high-priority locations.
    Current installations include:
    a) Noosa North Shore Campground – Camera and emergency response beacon
    b) Alexandria Bay – Emergency response beacon.
•   A dedicated CCTV network, monitored 7 days a week by the State Operations Communication
    Centre, provides real-time surveillance and facilitates rapid emergency response.


5. Current SLSQ and Surf Club Approaches to Rescue Tubes
The NoM highlights the need for Queensland to implement similar measures for unpatrolled and
remote areas.
Response: SLSQ has confirmed plans to roll out 30 public rescue tube boxes on Queensland
beaches. Planned installation sites include:
•   Alexandra Headland