The combination of a de facto long weekend, good weather, host of events and the last weekend of the summer school holidays is set to provide an awesome four-day break, but we need to be careful.
While it’s technically not a long weekend, I’m sure the lure of one day’s leave on Monday to achieve a four-day break will ensure our beaches are packed.
Australia Day is normally one of the busiest on the calendar as nothing’s more Aussie than a BBQ at the beach, a swim or surf and a few overs of beach cricket.
We’re looking forward to seeing everyone out enjoying the day, but make sure to play it smart and stay out of the water if you have had a few drinks.
It’s worth noting that Surf Life Saving Australia’s Coastal Safety Brief – Alcohol and Drugs revealed 61 people who had alcohol or drugs in their system drowned on Queensland beaches between 2004 – 2020. Most of the deaths were males between the age of 25-39 years old.
Also make sure to be sensible and respectful of others around you and stay hydrated.
The forecasters are expecting mostly sunny days, but as with the last few weeks the winds are expected to pick up a touch.
This again leads to the best time for a dip being in the morning. The swell will be pushing in from the south and south-east once again making Mooloolaba and Noosa the pick of the spots for swimmers.
Some of the best surf lifesavers around will be showing off their skill over the weekend at the Maroochy Classic carnival so if you’ve got some spare time over the weekend head over to Maroochydore SLSC to check out some of the action.
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.
WHEN TO SEE THE SURF LIFESAVING ACTION:
SATURDAY
Murphy Homes Maroochy Classic surf and beach events: Heats start at 8am, finals from 1pm, in front of the surf club.
Queensland Surf Rowers League, surfboat state team trials, 10am-noon
SUNDAY
Queensland Surf Rowers League, Queensland Cup surfboats Round 2 (as part of the Maroochy Classic). Heats start at 8am, finals from about midday, in front of the surf club.
