Challenging surf conditions have continued to hang around and we expect to see this continue into the weekend.

As the swell from TC Cody near Fiji dissipates, we’re expecting a southerly swell to come through and push surf on the beaches up to around the 1.5-2m mark.

This coupled with strong south-easterly winds, exceeding 33 knots Friday and easing to 20 knots by Sunday, will create rough and messy conditions with the real possibility of some beach closures.

If you do see the red flag up, please don’t swim at the beach and follow the advice of lifesavers and lifeguards.

Low tides will be late afternoon, so the morning will be the best time for a swim depending on how the surf conditions shape up.

Classic carnival to showcase surf sport talent

The Murphy Homes Maroochy classic is also due to run this weekend, once again dependent on conditions.

It’s always a great event that brings competitors from surf clubs far and wide together to showcase their skills. Hopefully conditions hold up so the events can proceed.

Next brings us to Australia Day, which is traditionally one of the busiest days of the year on our beaches.

It’s always great to see everyone getting out and celebrating everything great about Australia, but please make sure to do it responsibly.

Never drink and swim and always look out for your mates. Remember that she’ll be right won’t save your life so don’t take unnecessary risks by swimming outside patrolled locations.

Tsunami warning sparks closures

Beaches were closed for a period on Sunday due to the tsunami warning in place after the volcanic eruption that saw Tonga impacted by a large wave.

Thankfully, nothing like that impacted our coastline, but there were recordings of increased swell size and surges.

We thank everyone for their cooperation while beaches were closed.

Following that we saw a powerful swell generated by the ex-Tropical Cyclone Cody out near Fiji. This swell, in addition to the large tides, combined to create unstable conditions.

If you’re heading to the beach, make sure you of course 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 keeps the community informed of what’s happening on the beach and offers tips on how to stay safe.