Surf Life Saving Queensland Magazine
Surf Life Saving Queensland Magazine
SUMMER CLIMATE OUTLOOK (DEC–MAR) – IN A NUTSHELL
Realism is central to the program. Practical scenarios simulate real flood hazards – debris, strainers, unstable ground, changing depth and flow – rather than “perfect” training conditions. The idea is to expose participants to the complexity of real incidents in a controlled way, so they are better prepared when the pager goes off. As capability builds, SLSQ can deploy better- trained volunteers to support lead agencies during severe weather events, particularly in regional and remote communities that are often hit hardest. SAFETY, STANDARDS AND DOING IT RIGHT Training people to work in floodwater is not something you improvise. For Jacob and the team, delivering this safely and consistently is non-negotiable. Courses are run through the Centre of Excellence to ensure best-practice doctrine, clear assessment standards and national alignment. Training locations are hand-picked to be safe and controlled yet still provide realistic floodwater conditions to challenge participants. Strong instructor ratios, thorough water assessments and structured progression through skills make sure members aren’t thrown in before they’re ready. Courses are led by highly experienced instructors with extensive flood and swiftwater rescue backgrounds, many of whom have responded to real incidents across Australia. A NATIONAL PARTNERSHIP LIFTING CAPABILITY A key part of SLSQ’s approach has been partnering with Surf Life Saving Tasmania, whose Centre of Excellence Jacob describes as “the national leader in flood rescue training within SLSA”. That partnership gives Queensland members access to: • High-level instructors with advanced swiftwater expertise
• Contemporary flood rescue doctrine and risk frameworks • Nationally consistent training and assessment tools. The recent trip south showed the value of that collaboration. SLSQ Operations Support members returned with sharper skills, stronger situational awareness and increased confidence operating in challenging flood conditions – and brought that knowledge back into their own branches and patrols. A PATHWAY FOR MEMBERS WHO WANT TO DO MORE For Queensland lifesavers who feel pulled towards “the next step” in service, Flood Rescue Responder is one of the emerging specialist pathways that takes your skills beyond the beach. It’s a chance to: • Build on the aquatic rescue skills you already use in the surf • Learn to operate in complex, multi-agency disaster environments • Support communities during some of their toughest days. As Jacob puts it, developing this capability “strengthens Queensland’s overall disaster response capacity” and gives members “a safe, nationally aligned pathway to operate during multi-agency flood operations”. If you’re an experienced member interested in flood or emergency response, keep an eye on SLSQ channels for future course opportunities, and start the conversation with your Club Captain or Branch Operations team. Queensland’s weather isn’t getting any calmer – but with the right training, our members can continue to be ready, protected and well- prepared to help, whether the water is rolling onto a familiar beach or rushing down a country road.
1. Warmer than usual • Days and nights are likely to be hotter than average across most of Australia. • Expect more humid, muggy conditions and less relief overnight. 2. Wetter for parts of Queensland • Many eastern and northern areas of Queensland have a higher chance of above-average rain, especially January– March. • That means an increased risk of heavy falls, flash flooding and riverine flooding. 3. Warm oceans = more energy • Sea surface temperatures around Australia, including off the Queensland coast, are warmer than usual. • Warm oceans can add extra fuel for storms, cyclones and intense rain events. 4. What this means for SLSQ • Be prepared for: • Hot, humid patrol conditions and higher heat stress risk for members. • More storm and flood potential across the season. It’s another reminder of why building flood rescue capability and strong multi-agency readiness is so important for SLSQ.
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