Gold Coast beaches high risk for tourists

Gold Coast surf lifesavers will trial night vision surveillance cameras and increase patrols after two of its beaches were found to be among the state's most dangerous.

Figures released by Surf Life Saving Queensland (SLSQ) identified Surfers Paradise as Queensland's most fatal beach, with eight confirmed drownings in the past decade.

The Southport Spit was also listed as one of six high-risk beaches in Queensland.

SLSQ said there would be a return of dusk patrols and livesavers would engage with beachgoers to educate them about surf safety and conditions.

"Moving forward we'll continue to investigate and explore all options when it comes to saving lives, but at the same time, we're pleading will all beachgoers to help us out as well," SLSQ's George Hill said.

There were 11 drownings at Queensland beaches last year. All of the drownings occurred at either unpatrolled locations or outside designated patrol times.

More than 18 million people visited a patrolled beach in 2015/16, up from 15.75 million and 13.5 million in the previous two years.

QLD'S MOST DANGEROUS BEACHES:

* Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast

* Green Island, North Queensland

* Southport Spit, Gold Coast

* Discovery Beach to Point Arkwright, Sunshine Coast

* Fraser Island (ocean side)

* Noosa River to Rainbow Beach, Sunshine Coast