This column from Surf Life Saving Queensland will appear each Friday. Subscribe to our free news bulletin (above) to receive it direct to your inbox. 

The 20/21 summer school holidays have officially kicked off and will coincide with the first big swell of the summer – with waves predicted to exceed 4m at some locations.

It’s expected to arrive on Sunday generated by an offshore low pressure system that looks like it will impact our beaches until Tuesday.

Given this is the is the first big swell to hit the Coast for some time, surfers will be keen to get out amongst the waves.

However, make sure that you understand your capabilities and stick within these and always surf with a friend.

Like informed opinions? Get more direct to your inbox by subscribing to our free daily news feed: Go to SUBSCRIBE at top of this article to register

The swell will make conditions dangerous for swimmers, so it’s really important to follow the advice of lifesavers and lifeguards.

If the swell reaches the forecast size it’s quite likely that beaches will close. If you see a red flag flying that means the beach is closed, so please stay out of the water.

In addition to the large swell, we are set for some big tides, meaning the rips on the beaches will be stronger than usual.

Unfortunately, the weather outlook isn’t the best if you were planning a visit to the beach over the weekend.

The Bureau is predicting a 90 per cent chance of showers Saturday and rain on Sunday, with heavy falls of up to 100mm possible. There will be southeasterly winds between 20 and 35km/h Saturday and 35-55km/h Sunday, which will make for messy and choppy conditions on most beaches.

If there is a break in the expected showers, Noosa and Mooloolaba will provide the most protection for swimmers still keen to get in the water.

It’s expected to be a really busy summer ahead with the expected increase in domestic tourism following the COVID disruptions this year.

Unfortunately, we’ve had a really sad start to summer with two drownings on Teewah beach last Saturday highlighting just how quickly tragedies can happen our beaches.

This summer we’re stoked to have the support of some true Queensland legends helping to spread the message to swim between to the red and yellow flags.

Wally Lewis, Gorden Tallis and Trevor Gillmeister are heading up SLSQ’s summer campaign “She’ll be right” won’t save your live! Head over to SLSQ’s Instagram page to see the videos!  https://instagram.com/lifesavingqld?igshid=2617npj3gdz8

As always if you heading to the beach make sure you only swim between the red and yellow flags!

Aaron Purchase is Surf Life Saving Queensland’s regional manager for the Sunshine Coast. His column in sunshinecoastnews.com.au will appear each Friday to keep the community informed of what’s happening on the beach and how to stay safe in the water.