Beachgoers and boaties have been urged to be vigilant during a warm and busy Australia Day long weekend.
Thousands of people are expected to flock to Sunshine Coast waters for leisure and recreation from Saturday to Monday.
Temperatures should range between 22 degrees and 29 degrees, with the chance of a thunderstorm or two.
Surf Life Saving Queensland Sunshine Coast regional manager Aaron Purchase encouraged swimmers to stay within sight of lifesavers and lifeguards.
“The Sunshine Coast has many beaches and we understand that everyone wants to enjoy the holiday period,” he said.
“But we remind everyone when visiting the Coast over the long weekend, you can enjoy it while also being safe and swimming between the red and yellow flags.
“Our lifesavers and lifeguards get down to the beach early and set the flags up, out of the way of rips, but unfortunately conditions do change.
“We want people to stay in close, know their depth and swim on patrolled beaches.”
Local surf lifesavers and lifeguards have performed 375 rescues, and there have been two drownings, outside of patrolled areas since September.
The best beaches to visit will be Kings Beach, Mooloolaba, Mooloolaba Spit, Alexandra Headland and Noosa Main Beach.
Meanwhile, maritime authorities have urged boaties to follow rules and adjust plans if weather conditions turn dangerous.
Queensland Police Service (QPS), Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ), Seqwater and Marine Rescue Queensland (MRQ) joined forces to emphasise the importance of water safety.
QPS and MSQ will increase patrols and will focus on proper use of lifejackets, enforce speed limits, perform licence checks and crack down on drink- and drug-driving.
Sixty-four people lost their lives in water-related incidents in Queensland between 2019 to 2024. Seven of the eight people who died last year are presumed to have drowned and only one of them is known to have been wearing a life jacket.
Those undertaking activities such as fishing, jet skiing, sailing or paddleboarding were reminded to pay close attention to the weather and possible risks before heading out.
QPS acting superintendent Mark Bradford said severe weather could strike suddenly.
“We’re urging all boaties to be prepared to change their plans if severe weather conditions threaten to put a dampener on your day out on the water,” he said.
MRQ acting chief officer Mark Anderson also issued some reminders.
“Don’t forget to log your journey and tell family and friends where you are going (and) make sure you have sufficient fuel for your journey and are carrying a current EPIRB equipped with GPS.”
He reminded boaties to call 131 MRQ to be connected to their local marine rescue unit. They can also use radio channel VHF-16 or call Triple Zero (000) if they get into trouble while out on the water.
Seqwater executive general manager operations Fiore Zulli said storms can change conditions on waterways quickly.
“With the recent heavy rainfall, dam levels are higher than usual, which means changing conditions and unseen dangers beneath the surface,” she said.
