Beachgoers will be able to get COVID-19 vaccinations at several Sunshine Coast surf lifesaving clubs this weekend.
Queensland Health will open pop-up clinics at Coolum Beach, Metropolitan Caloundra (Kings Beach), Marcoola, Maroochydore, Mooloolaba, Mudjimba and Sunshine Beach.
They will be open from 8am until 2pm on Saturday and Sunday.
The initiative comes after the success of the Bunnings stores pop-up vaccination sites, where about 7000 Queenslanders took the opportunity to get vaccinated.
The State Government, through SLSQ, has asked 20 surf clubs across Queensland to host vaccination clinic.
Mooloolaba Surf Life Saving Club officials said it was an excellent opportunity for club members and the broader community to receive their vaccinations easily and conveniently.
“Opening up this pop-up vaccination clinic is one way we can help Queensland and the local community on the road to recovery,” club president Darryl Johnson said.
“We are looking forward to welcoming the public, nipper parents and our members to come and get vaccinated this weekend,” Mr Johnson said.
“The Mooloolaba Surf Club Boaties and Nippers will also be holding a fundraising barbecue.
“So, you can hit the surf for a swim, get your jab and then grab a snag.”
Deputy Premier Stephen Miles said the decision to work with SLSQ and theme parks and other tourism venues was an extension of the Queensland Government’s successful vaccine strategy.
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“Thank you to all the surf lifesaving clubs and businesses who are supporting Queensland’s vaccination efforts. Remember to: ‘Slip, Slop, Slap and Jab’.”
Pop up clinics will also be located at Aussie World and Australia Zoo from Friday until Sunday.
What to expect at the beach this weekend
It’s a long weekend for Brisbane residents, and many of them are expected to visit Sunshine Coast beaches.
There’s a chance of showers and it will be hot, particularly on Saturday, which is forecast to hit a top of 32C. Sunday will be cooler reaching a maximum of 25C.
Strong winds will make conditions on the water quite messy. Saturday will see predominately north-easterly winds making Kings beach the pick of the spots.
Sunday should see a south-easterly change which will make Noosa and Mooloolaba the more attractive options.
There will be small waves of around half a metre on Saturday, with the possibility of a slight rise Sunday.
We’ll see low tides at 8.56am Saturday and 10,07am Sunday, so if you are up for an early morning swim be mindful of increased water movement as the tide runs out.
Enjoy the weekend and 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.
