Queensland to trial WiFi alerts in seven languages to combat beach drownings

A world-first trial is set to harness the power of smartphones and WiFi to stop tourists and migrants from drowning on Queensland beaches.

A danger sign on the beach at Kurrawa on the Gold Coast Source: AAP

Lifesavers in Queensland are set to trial a world-first initiative to encourage beachgoers to swim between the flags by pushing surf safety alerts to their smartphones.

Using unlimited free WiFi and only accessible between the flags, beachgoers will immediately be notified about beach conditions and safe swimming tips via a live feed.

The text-only technology, dubbed Life-Fi, is set to be rolled out for users in seven languages; including English, traditional and simplified Chinese, Hindi, Thai, Japanese and Arabic.

A screen of what the alert looks like in English Source: Surf Life Saving Queensland

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