Australia's 'swim safe' message not sinking in

More than 80 per cent of swimmers rescued from Australian beaches were swimming outside the flags, proving the nation’s “swim safe” message still is not sinking in.

Since December 1 last year, 2583 people were rescued along Queensland beaches - almost doubling from 1351.

Alarmingly 82 per cent of those rescued, had been swimming outside the flags - leaving volunteers, shaking their heads.

“They may be good swimmers, we get that a lot, that maybe they can handle themselves,” Surf Life Saving Queensland’s Colin Neil told 9News.

“But, you know, they might have a medical emergency.”

Surprisingly, authorities are blaming calm conditions over summer for the spike in rescues – with the conditions attracting huge crowds.

“You only need a percentage of those people to be rescued and the stats go up,” Mr Neil said.

Noosa has been the state's busiest beach this summer with 267 rescues since the start of December. Tallebudgera Creek was next with 167 and at Surfers Paradise, there were 93.

Lifesavers say they have coped with the increased workload, however there has already been 19 suspected drownings along Queensland beaches since July last year and the patrol season isn't over yet.