Wurtulla Beach has become a hotspot for rescues, with at least four incidents in two months—yet it remains unpatrolled. Locals are calling for lifeguard services to return before tragedy strikes.
Residents Demand Lifeguard Reinstatement at Wurtulla Beach
Wurtulla Beach has seen numerous rescues in recent months, which has sent alarm bells ringing among residents who say that without a lifeguard, lives are being put in danger. The beach had its lifeguard service withdrawn in May 2024, and there have been a minimum of four rescues performed by locals or wandering lifeguards since then.
With treacherous rip tides and no patrol in place, community members are wondering how many more near-misses it will take before authorities step in. The Sunshine Coast Council, in collaboration with Surf Life Saving Queensland (SLSQ), redirected Wurtulla’s lifeguard services to nearby Bokarina Beach in September last year, citing higher attendance numbers at the latter.
Officials say safety measures, including a surveillance camera and emergency call button, have been introduced at Wurtulla, but locals believe they are no substitute for a trained professional on-site.
A Growing Safety Concern
Local resident Adam Ellis, also a retired surf lifesaver, recently saved a man trapped in a rip at Wurtulla Beach. He explained that he noticed the swimmer fighting the current and knew straight away that it was a risk. After successfully bringing the man to shore, Ellis reflected on the growing number of incidents and questioned how long it would take for authorities to reinstate lifeguard patrols.
At least three other rescues have been reported at Wurtulla since December, including one involving a lifeguard on a roving patrol who saved a man and a young boy. While no fatalities have occurred so far, community members fear it is only a matter of time before a tragedy strikes.
“There have been four rescues in just two months where the public or a passing individual had to step in. Do we really need to wait for someone to drown before action is taken?” Ellis said.
Council Defends Decision
A Sunshine Coast Council spokesperson said the move to relocate lifeguards to Bokarina Beach was due to changing attendance trends and coastal risk assessments. More people have been visiting Bokarina Beach in recent years, with council figures indicating a decline in visitors to Wurtulla, the spokesperson said.
Bokarina Beach is now patrolled seven days a week from September to May and on weekends and public holidays during winter. Council representatives encourage swimmers to walk the extra 500 metres to Bokarina for safety.
“No matter how confident you are in the water, it’s always safer to swim in a patrolled area,” the spokesperson said.
Residents Push for Compromise
Many locals remain unconvinced that Wurtulla Beach is any safer without lifeguards. Resident Trevor Heard noted that despite council data, Wurtulla continues to attract visitors, especially with parking shortages at Bokarina making it a less convenient option for some beachgoers.
Heard and other residents propose a compromise, including reinstating lifeguards at Wurtulla on weekends over summer when beach usage is highest. They say while technology such as cameras and emergency call buttons are helpful, they cannot substitute for the instant response of an on-duty lifeguard.
Currently, Wurtulla Beach is not patrolled, so the community must use one another to feel safe. But with every new rescue, the calls for change grow louder.
Published 27-February-2025