After a wet and windy Easter long weekend, the forecast is for much more favourable conditions, which is great news in the middle of the school holidays.
Fine and sunny conditions should be in order with temperatures around the 30C mark.
Light to moderate westerlies will be the predominate winds and shouldn’t have too much impact on the beaches.
The swell will be around the 0.6m mark, still from the south-east, with the best conditions for surfers likely on Saturday. The open beaches will all be work a look and the northern end of the Coast should offer the most swell.
The water is still quite discoloured in places, from the heavy rains and debris washed out through the river mouths.
The sand banks are stabilising again after the increased swell last week, so be mindful there will still be some strong water movement particularly as the tide runs out.
Low tide at Mooloolaba will be at 1.28pm and 1.56pm, on Saturday and Sunday respectively.
During school holidays we expect to see large crowds on the beaches, so it’s important to maintain social distancing habits and be respectful of other beach users.
Parents, please ensure children are supervised at all times, especially when they are in the water.
Lifesavers and lifeguards aren’t there to be babysitters, especially when the beaches are busy.
There will be a significant surfboat carnival at Mooloolaba, south of the surf club, on Saturday.
About 60 crews from around the state will converge for the Queensland Cup final, as they continue to prepare for the Australian championships on the Sunshine Coast.
‘The Aussies’ will be held from April 16-24, with surfboat racing at Alexandra Headland from April 19-24.
As always only swim between the flags.
Aaron Purchase is Surf Life Saving Queensland’s regional manager for the Sunshine Coast. His column in sunshinecoastnews.com.au appears each Friday to keep the community informed of what’s happening on the beach and how to stay safe in the water.