Surf Life Saving Queensland (SLSQ) is advising beachgoers to stay out of the water this week, with dangerous surf conditions being predicted from Fraser Island down to Coolangatta.
The Bureau of Meteorology is predicting that a significant easterly swell generated by Tropical
Cyclone Oma will develop over the Sunshine Coast from Wednesday this week.
SLSQ Lifesaving Operations Coordinator Jason Argent warned the public that powerful conditions including 4-5m waves will make the ocean challenging, even for experienced swimmers.
“By entering the water, you are not only putting your life at risk, but potentially that of others
who may be required to rescue you,” he said.
Mr Argent said conditions were likely to peak on Friday and continue over the weekend.
“Even if you aren’t planning on going in the water, you’ll need to remain vigilant as beach erosion
and coastal inundation is anticipated due to the significant wave heights. Abnormally high tides are
also expected,” he said.
Director of World Surfaris and Noosa Festival of Surfing manager John Finaly said that the biggest concern they have for the upcoming Noosa Festival of Surfing is the erosion on the beach pushing the sand away.
“We hope that good surf pumps in for the festival and cyclones off the coast are wonderful – in the eyes of a surfer. Although all of our contenders are highly skilled athletes who can handle the conditions,” Mr Finaly said.
“The WSL part of the event has the best long-boarders in the world, so if they can’t handle it – no one can.
“In terms of if someone got into trouble, we have all of the necessary rescue plans and first aid and highly credited lifesavers on board.”
