Happy New Year folks and weren’t we lucky to have such amazing weather to kick off  2021? Beaches have been absolutely packed and boat ramp car parks full to the brim as we’ve been out enjoying the beautiful weather.

A massive thanks to all the lifesavers and lifeguards who have been on duty over the Christmas-New Year break.

It’s always a challenging time of the year but a fantastic effort by all meant fortunately we didn’t have too many major incidents.

Unfortunately, the weather isn’t looking great for over the weekend with showers predicated throughout and 20-30 km/h southeasterly winds making conditions messy.

The surf should be around the 1-1.5m mark. If you’re looking for a swim, the more protected locations of Noosa and Mooloolaba will be the pick of the spots.

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Whilst many people have returned to work, the beaches are still very busy.

Please ensure you do the right thing and only swim between the flags.

Parents, please also make sure you’re continually supervising children so they don’t get out of their depth.

Please also ensure that you’re following the government’s latest COVID directions and adhere to the isolation requirements if they apply to you, for not only your safety but also to protect our lifesavers and lifeguards as well.

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.