Beaches closed as ex-Tropical Cyclone Oma departs
All Gold Coast and most Sunshine Coast beaches were closed over the weekend. Photo: AAP
Surf lifesavers are pleading with people to use their common sense and stay away from the dangerous surf at south-east Queensland’s closed beaches.
All Gold Coast beaches and most of those on the Sunshine Coast have been closed today as the effects of ex-Tropical Cyclone Oma continue to be felt.
A severe weather warning is in place from Fraser Island to the New South Wales border for dangerous surf caused by the now sub-tropical low.
Surf Life Saving Queensland said while all Gold Coast beaches were closed, Sunshine Coast beaches would be opened on a case-by-case basis.
This footage was taken at #Coolangatta only moments after a male was treated for severe head injuries after being swept onto the rocks.
We’re pleading for people to use common sense and stay well away from the water if the beach is closed. pic.twitter.com/wwRZL1zCkj
— Surf Life Saving Queensland (SLSQ) (@lifesavingqld) February 24, 2019
One person had to be treated for head injuries after being swept onto rocks at Coolangatta.
Despite the closures, dozens of surfers were spotted at beaches like the Sunshine Coast’s Alexandra Heads.
Experienced Sunshine Coast surfer Beau Kinnear spent the entire weekend enjoying the surf and large swells, but said Sunday’s conditions had begun to deteriorate.
“The winds have picked up, so we’re having to be a little bit more cautious – good for those who know how to surf,” he said.
“With the variety of people out there, it is mainly people with experience. Those that aren’t seem to make their way back in pretty quick.”
Mr Kinnear said the surf was not for the faint-hearted, with rough conditions easily putting surfers and those around them in risky situations.
Erosion on the northern end of Coolum Beach on the Sunshine Coast. Photo: Facebook/ Fuschia by Nature
“The main concern is you’re going to injure yourself, injure someone else around, or then have to get a lifesaver to come and save you,” he said.
“Even guys who are really good at surfing are finding themselves getting into trouble.”
Lifesavers rescued 27 people, including 13 surfers, amid rough conditions on Saturday.
Two cars swamped by the high tide at Currumbin yesterday are yet to be moved from the flooded car park of the local surf club.
Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Michael Knepp said waves of five metres were recorded along the coast.
“Through the next few days we will start to see those conditions start to ease as ex-Tropical Cyclone Oma moves further away from the coast,” he said.
“I have heard that some surfers have said they’ve seen the best waves in 30 years upon some of the beaches.”
–ABC
