This week we’ve seen surf conditions improve as the sandbars have stabilised after the king tides and large swell generated last week by the remnants of Cyclone Seth.
In some places where there’s been more severe erosion, we’re still urging people to take caution especially near the new bar that’s formed at the northern end of Bribie Island adjacent to Golden Beach.
Given the large changes in this area it will be some time until conditions fully stabilise, establishing a new normal.
This new Caloundra south bar though is not a place for swimming and we urge everyone to steer clear and exercise a great degree of caution in the area, especially on the outgoing tide.
River bars have strong tidal currents at the best of times and there are reports the currents are especially strong in this area while nature is creating the new normal.
So please don’t swim, stand-up paddle, kayak or use other recreational craft to explore. Even boaties should be especially cautious.
Stay up-to-date with the latest news by subscribing to our free daily news feed. All it requires is your name and email. See SUBSCRIBE at the top of this article.
This coming weekend will see our Sunshine Coast Surf Rescue Championships held at Mooloolaba.
The Surf Rescue Championships will allow lifesavers to showcase their skills, not only across the some of the normal lifesaving sport disciplines but they will also be tested across scenarios of first aid, patrol competitions, resuscitation techniques and more.
It really tests out all the skills that are directly needed when looking after beachgoers when they need assistance.
Looking ahead to the weekend we’ll continue to see easterly swell largely generated by Cyclone Cody which developed out near Fiji and has been tracking south.
The surf size has been hovering around the 1m mark but will increase through Sunday to closer to the 1.5m mark.
It will be powerful surf conditions pushing lots of water onto the beaches, meaning that rips and lateral currents will be strong.
Make sure to follow the advice of lifesavers and lifeguards if having a swim and consider staying in waist deep water.
We’ll have low tides in the early afternoon so the current will be strong through the late morning into the afternoon as the tide bottoms out.
Temperature will nudge over 30 degrees and the UV will be in the extreme range for most of the day so make sure you pack lots of sunscreen and water to keep hydrated.
Bring some shade or plan to get off the beach for a break in the middle part of the day.
Light easterly winds will take the edge off the heat in the morning but will pick up through the afternoon and swing more north-east and possibly make conditions choppy though the afternoon.
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.
