Read more about conditions over the weekend for surfing and swimming, including the beach patrol times in the latest beach report.
Weather
Well, after a very windy start to the week on Monday, we have seen a pretty good week of weather since then, with plenty of sunshine and mostly light winds across the local region – and just the odd scattered shower thrown in as well.
But as per usual, we can expect the winds to increase through today and across the weekend, with moderate onshore winds forecast that will be stronger through the afternoons.
Showers are also forecast for all three days as well, but hopefully they will be scattered and infrequent.
This morning’s winds will be from the S/SE at 10 to 15 knots before they turn from the E/SE through this afternoon at 15 to 20+ knots.
Tomorrow will be similar with S/SE to E/SE winds return at 10 to 15 knots through the morning and then 15 to 20 knots through the afternoon.
Sunday will then bring slight relief with around 10 knots of S/SE winds through the morning and around 15 knots of E/SE winds through the afternoon.
Latest beach report shares swimming, patrol information
Swimming
Swimming conditions were very ordinary on Monday, but they have been pretty good and fast-improving ever since!
Unfortunately though, looking at the wind forecast for the next three days, we can expect the swimming conditions to deteriorate once again, but more so on the open and exposed beaches, and more so through the afternoons.
The mornings will generally be quite good for swimmers, with more of a S/SE wind direction and slightly lighter winds.
So, for the best swimming conditions, hit the beaches through the mornings – any time from early morning through until mid to late morning to grab the higher tide and the lighter winds.
The best beaches will be Agnes Water, Hervey Bay, Nielson Park, and Moore Park Beach, whilst the open and beaches will have a side sweep and choppier conditions, so be careful if swimming at these locations.
Please check with the surf lifesavers or Lifeguard on duty, read any safety signage or messages, AND most importantly please swim only at patrolled beaches, only between the red and yellow flags, and only during patrol times – remember, if we can’t see you, we can’t save you!
Beach patrols
Saturday
- 9 am to 5 pm at Kelly’s Beach, Nielson Park, Oaks Beach and Agnes Water
- 1 pm to 5 pm at Elliott Heads and Moore Park
Sunday
9 am to 5 pm at Elliott Heads, Kelly’s Beach, Nielson Park, Oaks Beach, Moore Park and Agnes Water
Today and weekdays
9 am to 5 pm at Kelly’s Beach and Agnes Water ONLY
*NOTE: These are minimum patrol times – some locations may have longer hours of patrol time
Surfing
Plenty of swell and super-fun waves about the local beaches this week, with Monday through to Wednesday really producing the goods for local surfers!
But as we know, these waves don’t last forever, and the swell size dropped quickly through Wednesday and into Thursday – but there was still enough there to entice the longboards and SUP’s out there for clean, fun waves.
For today and across the weekend, we are expecting the onshore winds to kick back in again with moderate S/SE to E/SE winds forecast, so there could be another kick in wave heights across the weekend – but expect it to be messy and choppy unless you get there early.
It may be best to wait until Sunday and see if the swell direction turns more favourable.
Your best options will be Agnes Water, Mon Repos, Moore Park and Nielson Park, with early to mid-morning perhaps being the better time. Good Luck.
For the SUP and Ocean Ski paddlers chasing a downwind paddle, you will have plenty of wind for a slick south to north run through the afternoons from today until Sunday.
For those looking for a gentle and more relaxed paddle, hit the beaches in the very early mornings or else head to the protected inland waterways.
Enjoyed the latest beach report? Read another recent report here or read more about beach safety on the Surf Life Saving Queensland website.
