Lifesavers warn ‘stay out of water’ as rough seas erupt
Surf lifesavers have closed Coast beaches as a big swell is whipped by strong winds to create hazardous conditions.
The weather bureau has issued a warning for dangerous surf conditions along the Queensland coast from Hervey Bay down to the Gold Coast.
Worst to come: Wild weather set to saturate region
Alexandra Headland Surf Life Saving Club patrol captain Jessica Baird's advice for Coast swimmers was simple.
"Listen to the surf lifesavers and stay out of the water and only swim at patrolled beaches," Mrs Baird said.
⚠️Severe Weather #Warning Update: heavy rainfall, damaging winds, and dangerous #flooding for south east #Qld and north east #NSW. Video current 8.00am AEST, 13 Dec 2020. Latest forecasts & warnings https://t.co/uUkQLWefzD @ABCemergency @QldFES #rain #getready pic.twitter.com/IfagMEzysc
— Bureau of Meteorology, Queensland (@BOM_Qld) December 13, 2020
She said Alexandra Headland beach had not been opened on Sunday and as far as she knew most other Coast beaches had red flags flying.
Surf Life Saving Queensland said beaches at Alexandra Headland, Boardwalk, Bribie Island, Coolum, Kawana, Kings Beach, Marcoola, Maroochydore, Mooloolaba, Mudjimba, Peregian, Sunrise, Sunshine and Twin Waters were all closed.
"Earlier on when the wind wasn't up it was big surf but not terribly hectic," Mrs Baird said.
She said her club would normally have up to 30 volunteers on a Sunday patrol.
She said everyone rostered on had arrived on Sunday morning but many had gone home as the team went into surveillance mode.
