SUMMER is officially here and school students have downed pens and pencils for the December holidays.
On the Fraser Coast, that means spending time outdoors, on the beach and exploring our waterways.
Surf Life Saving Queensland is reminding beachgoers of the importance of water safety.
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Australia marked National Water Safety Day on Wednesday, 01 December.
Lifesavers are urging people to swim between the red and yellow flags when visiting the beach.
Some 2,704 people were rescued by Queensland lifesavers last season.
Nearly 90 per cent of rescuers were performed outside the of the red and yellow flags.
“It’s the risks you don’t take that make you safer,” the organisation said on Facebook.
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Surf Life Saving Queensland has teamed up with the Brisbane Heat to promote safer choices in and around the water.
“Queenslanders have a reputation around the world for their easy-going, relaxed attitude to life,” the SLSQ said.
“We say, ‘She’ll be right’ when we’re not 100 per cent sure on something, but back ourselves anyway.
“It doesn’t matter how fit and young you might feel, the ocean doesn’t discriminate – it’s time to change your attitude.”
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Beachgoers are being urged to stay away from alcohol.
Lifesavers say mixing alcohol and swimming is a recipe for disaster.
“Alcohol not only impairs your judgement, but also significantly slows your reflexes – a dangerous, and potentially deadly, combination when it comes to the surf.”
Parents and caregivers are also being urged to remember that young children need constant supervision when near any body of water, including the ocean.
You can access water safety tips on the Queensland Surf Life Saving website.
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