100% Locally Owned, Independent and Free

100% Locally Owned, Independent and Free

Aaron Purchase: Have fun with your new toys, but don't be a Christmas turkey!

Do you have a news tip? Click here to send to our news team.

Long-running beachside retailer listed for sale

A well-known beachside homewares and fashion store has been listed for sale after two decades of trade. Otilly and Lewis at Peregian Beach, known for More

Forever Harry’s: lane named after young boy

The private road to a new water reservoir has been named after a four-year-old big truck and construction enthusiast. Harry Butler was two years old More

Ashley Robinson: the right and wrongs of life

It is time to try a social experiment regarding relationships. Since writing in this publication I have lifted the profile of George, my four-legged More

Police investigate ute fire in bushland

Detectives are appealing for public assistance following a vehicle fire in bushland near a highway. Initial investigations indicate that about 4.10pm on June 29, a More

‘Ambitious’ new headquarters proposed for growing club

A long-standing rugby club is planning a major clubhouse redevelopment that would transform its headquarters into a modern, state-of-the-art facility. Located at Sunshine Beach, Noosa More

Public consultation opens for new fast food outlet

Plans to open another outlet of a popular Mexican restaurant chain on the Sunshine Coast are now open for public feedback. Guzman y Gomez has More

Every Christmas we see plenty of people heading to the beach to test out their new toys, everything from beach cricket sets to surfboards and frisbees.

While it’s great to see the excitement as everyone enjoys their shiny new gear, it’s important to respect other beach users and remember to use the gear safely.

If you’re using the beach cricket set, frisbees, footballs or the like, make sure you spread out on the beach so unsuspecting people don’t get hit.

If you’ve got a new bodyboard or surfboard, make sure to attach the leg rope and pick the best spots on the beach.

Surfboards need to stay well clear of the flagged areas, outside the black and white flags.

Soft bodyboards used by younger children are fine between the flags, but make sure parents are supervising.

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

For lots of people it’s also time to get out in the boat, kayak or jet ski.

Again, make sure you understand where on the beach you can operate, staying clear of the bathing areas and swimmers.

It’s also very important to ensure you have the necessary safety equipment before heading out on the water.

The beaches are still clearing up after the big swell two weeks ago, with the water in some areas still quite murky.

There was some solid swell around earlier this week, but it has dropped away and there should only be around 2-3 feet over the weekend.

The winds will be mostly southeasterly, making Mooloolaba and Noosa the pick of the spots for a swim with the best conditions in the mornings.

There is only a chance of showers so fingers crossed both Christmas and Boxing day are great days.

Remember to wish the lifesavers and lifeguards a merry Christmas if you head to the beach as they’re giving up their time to keep you safe!

As always 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 appears each Friday to keep the community informed of what’s happening on the beach and how to stay safe in the water.

Subscribe to SCN’s free daily news email

This field is hidden when viewing the form
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
[scn_go_back_button] Return Home
Share