Surfing Queensland COVID-19 Position Update
To members of the Queensland surfing community,
We are writing to you in relation to the developing situation with the spread of COVID-19 to share with you Surfing Queensland's position on planned activities - both those we are involved in and those run by other organisations and entities.
While, at the time of writing, the Australian Government’s position is that it is okay to run events provided they don’t involve an indoor gathering of more than 100 people or an outdoor gathering of more than 500 people, the medical advice is that we should all do everything we can to implement what is called “social distancing”.
In practice, this means limiting physical and social contact, not shaking hands, hugging or kissing and avoiding, wherever possible, being in close contact with lots of other people.
The reason for doing so is to limit the opportunity for the COVID19 to spread, reduce pressure on our health system and help prevent the spread of the virus to the greater community.
As a result, Surfing Queensland and other surf event organisers have decided to reschedule or cancel the following events that were planned to run in March, April and May.
Surfing Competitions:
Kirra Senior Teams Challenge (Kirra Point, March 20-22) POSTPONED
Pa & Ma Bendall Memorial Surfing Contest (Sunshine Coast, April 10-12) CANCELLED
Lindsay Connolly Memorial DropKnee Shoot Out (Sunshine Coast, April 18) POSTPONED
2020 Gold Coast Open (Burleigh Heads, May 1-4) CANCELLED
As of Wednesday 18th March, the following two events remain scheduled to run:
Queensland Grommet Titles #1 (Sunshine Coast, 13-14 June)
Queensland Junior Titles #1 (Gold Coast, 20-21 June)
Boardrider Clubs:
While organisations are free to make their own decisions within the Government mandated crowd guidelines, we recommend that you give serious consideration to postponing or cancelling events in March and April.
It has also been recommended by the Queensland Education Department that overnight excursions or camps also be avoided.
If you do decide to proceed with your club rounds we strongly encourage that strict hygiene protocols are followed as outlined below by your State Government.
If anyone associated with your Club is feeling unwell, they should refrain from participating in activities immediately, seek medical advice and, where appropriate, advise the Club of their absence.
Recommended hygiene protocols
The protocols outlined below are essential to limit your exposure and prevent the spread of germs, in particular as they relate to COVID-19:
General hygiene
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol‐based hand sanitiser
Wash or sanitise your hands before eating
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
Avoid close contact with people who are sick
Stay home and seek medical treatment when you are sick
Cover your mouth to cough or sneeze
Surfing hygiene
COVID-19 or not, do not share wetsuits, rashies, drinks, towels, wax, sunscreen with others.
Place hand sanitisers around change rooms and encourage the use of them.
Ensure all member facilities are maintained and cleaned to a high standard with appropriate cleaning agents – consider more regular cleaning of facilities.
Limit physical contact such as avoiding shaking hands, pre or post-event
Work with other community clubs that share Club facilities, if appropriate, to implement practices consistent with this communication
It is important that sporting organisations and clubs stay up to date on the latest COVID-19 information to ensure they can make informed decisions that best protect their members. The following links provide the latest updates, including information about prevention, diagnosis and treatment.
For any further information, the Surfing Queensland office is contactable on (07) 5520 1165.
We will continue to monitor medical advice and plan to provide an update at least on a fortnightly basis.
This disruption to our sport is frustrating but we encourage you to continue to enjoy the ocean and the healthy surf lifestyle for good mental and physical health.
Luke Mckenzie, Chairman, and Adam Yates, CEO, Surfing Queensland.