Survey Safety
Please ensure you are fit to walk along sandy beaches. If you have underlying health concerns that may impact your ability to conduct turtle surveys please prioritise your health.
All participants must complete this online induction and review the Watergum Risk Assessment prior to conducting beach survey activities. Once you have completed this course, please email [email protected]
When you are ready to start your turtle walks and contribute to the TurtleWatch program, please ensure you comply with the following recommendations:
- Wear suitable footwear for walking along a sandy beach and into sand dunes
- Check the weather forecast and do not walk in dangerous conditions
- During your walks, ensure you have suitable provisions for current conditions such as sun-safe clothing, waterproof jacket, drinking water and sun cream.
- Let someone know where you are going and when you are due to return.
- Take a mobile phone in case you have an emergency
Common Risks in the Dunes
Be cautious while walking around the sand dunes and Gold Coast beaches. The fragile dune plants are essential for preventing coastal erosion and can easily be damaged by trampling.
Stay alert for potentially dangerous wildlife in the dunes, such as spiders, ticks, and mosquitoes, which can carry diseases like Ross River virus. Snakes also inhabit these areas; remember that color is not a reliable identifier, so treat any snake as potentially venomous and maintain a safe distance.
Be aware of sharp objects like broken glass or discarded needles on the beach and in the dunes, and wear enclosed shoes to protect your feet.
An Ancient Ritual: Watch Respectfully
It is a real privilege to have the opportunity to observe these magnificent creatures, right here on our Gold Coast beaches. Observing a marine turtle nest allows us to gain an insight into one of nature’s most sacred rituals. Unfortunately, this ritual can easily be disturbed. It is very important that you follow recommended behaviour around nesting turtles and hatchlings. If you do this, you will enjoy a memorable experience while respecting these animals in their natural habitat.
Please take some time to review the Queensland Government Department of Environment & Science turtle watching information. Please read the whole document.
Please Report Sick Wildlife
Save all these numbers in your phone!
If you come across a sick or injured sea turtle, or another animal in distress, please call;
Queensland Parks and Wildlife Hotline: 1300 130 372
Sea World Foundation: 07 5588 2222 (9:00am to 5:00pm) or 07 5588 2177 (After Hours)
PLEASE DO NOT ATTEMPT to personally rescue marine animals. Many can be very dangerous such as pelicans and sea snakes and you can also make their situation worse by causing undue stress and spreading diseases by touching them.
If help is going to take a while to get there, you can call Wildcare on 07 5527 2444 and they will send their nearest rescuer to wait with the animal until specialist help arrives. If there are lifeguards nearby, they may also be able to help you protect the animals and ensure no-one touches it until specialist help arrives.
What are the signs that a turtle may be sick or injured and needs rescuing?
The turtle is smaller than average and may appear skinny and is weak or lethargic.
The turtle has an obvious injury or is entangled in marine debris.
The turtle is covered in barnacles.
Sea World Foundation pioneering work in marine animal rescues has resulted in outstanding success in the rehabilitation of sick, injured and stranded marine wildlife.