Four Mile ranked state’s fourth best beach
SLSQ RANKING
Port Douglas’ iconic Four Mile Beach has been ranked the state’s fourth best beach in Surf Life Saving Queensland’s annual list of top beaches for 2019/20. Coolum Beach on the Sunshine Coast claimed the overall honour.
SLSQ Regional Manager Rob Davidson said a range of factors had been considered when compiling the list and selecting an overall winner, with safety being the primary consideration.
“Safety is our core focus as we aim for zero preventable deaths in Queensland public waters. With that in mind, when determining our top beaches, we consider patrol times and services, incident history, coastal conditions and the quality of visitor information on display,” Mr Davidson said.
He said Four Mile is patrolled 365 days a year, providing ample opportunity for visitors to enjoy the beach and swim between the red and yellow flags.
SLSQ recorded more than 58,000 beachgoers at Four Mile Beach throughout summer, with lifeguards performing one rescue, 62 first aid treatments, and 2,045 preventative actions.
Released to coincide with the end of summer, the list of Queensland’s top 10 patrolled beaches ranks popular locations based on safety, facilities and nearby services.
While Coolum Beach (Sunshine Coast) claimed the overall honour, Alma Bay (Magnetic Island) and Burleigh Heads (Gold Coast) also ranked highly, rounding out the top three.
Mr Davidson said Queensland’s beaches were iconic, attracting millions of visitors every year.
“No doubt, many Queenslanders have their own favourite, based on personal criteria. Determining our top 10 is always a tough job, but one that we enjoy due to the sheer number of beautiful locations along our coastline,” he said.
Across Queensland more than 1,700 rescues were performed, a decrease of 33% compared to 2018/19 summer period. Mr Davidson welcomed the decrease in rescues, but urged beachgoers to not become complacent.
“It is a timely reminder to always consider your safety and swim between the red and yellow flags, no matter which beach you choose to visit.”
SLSQ’s Top Ten Beaches for 2019/20*:
1. Coolum – Sunshine Coast
2. Alma Bay – Magnetic Island
3. Burleigh Heads – Gold Coast
4. Four Mile Beach – Port Douglas
5. Cylinder Beach – North Stradbroke Island
6. Nielson Park – Bargara
7. Coolangatta – Gold Coast
8. Rainbow Beach – Sunshine Coast
9. Trinity Beach – Cairns
10. Kings Beach – Sunshine Coast
*SLSQ’s criteria for compiling the top 10 beaches list includes a range of factors such as patrol times and service, incident history, coastal conditions, safety signage, cleanliness, access to amenities, parking and public transport.
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