Sun’s out and it’s time to hit beach

The state’s beaches will be packed this weekend with sunny conditions expected to continue.

QUEENSLAND’S beaches will be packed this weekend with sunny conditions expected to continue.

More than 113,000 people flocked to beaches yesterday, with Surf Life Saving Queensland praising swimmers for a relatively safe season so far.

SLSQ Gold Coast duty officer Brent Imrie said beaches began to fill up once the sun came out in the afternoon.

“The bad weather in the morning kept a lot of people away, but the afternoon numbers were what we would see on a busy summer day,” he said.

Jade and Mark Kennedy at Noosa with kids Grace, 10, and Jack, 7, on Boxing Day 2019. Picture: Lachie Millard

Of 113,000 people that spent the day at a Queensland beach only 16 were rescued by lifesavers.

“The message to listen to lifesavers and swim between the flags is starting to sink in,” Mr Imrie said.

“Last year we were sitting at 21 drownings, but this (financial) year, touch wood, our drownings are at one. Obviously no rescues are ideal, but for how busy it was those numbers are not too bad.”

Aspiring pro surfer 17-year-old Zane Assink kicked off his Boxing Day with a smoothie and a 5am personal training session.

The current Queensland State u/18 champion then hit the surf for some water training before he heads off to Wanning in China next week to compete in the opening round of the World Surf League Qualifying Series before returning home where he holds a wildcard entry into the WSL Corona Open at Snapper Rocks. Pictures: Lachie Millard

Bureau of Meteorology meteorologist David Crock said the southeast would stay sunny with mild temperatures for a few days.

“For the most part, it’s quite fine and stable conditions and it’s going to stay that way for the next couple of days at least,” he said.

“Onshore winds will keep temperatures pretty mild for the next few days to come – about 29 to 30 degrees in Brisbane and along the coast. For beachgoers it’s going to be quite pleasant.”

Rain is unlikely for the rest of the year.

Cooroibah mum Jade Kennedy made a spontaneous trip to the Noosa River mouth yesterday, where her daughter Grace, 10, tested out snorkelling gear she got for Christmas.

“It was just a beautiful day and after a hectic Christmas it was a great way to spend the afternoon,” Mrs Kennedy said.

A young surfer makes the most of early surf conditions at Coolum as strong winds and rain hits the Sunshine Coast for Boxing Day. Picture: Lachie Millard

A bodyboarder makes the most of early surf conditions at Coolum as strong winds and rain hits the Sunshine Coast for Boxing Day. Picture: Lachie Millard