Cyclone Oma Gold Coast: Beachgoers continue to ignore warnings about dangerous surf

Gold Coast lifesavers are concerned for the safety of beachgoers who continue to ignore closed beach signs along our beaches as large surf from TC Oma continues to batter our coastline.

LIFESAVERS are concerned for the safety of beachgoers as they continue to ignore closed beach signs.

All 34 Gold Coast beaches, Currumbin Creek and Tallebudgera Creek are closed over the weekend due to the strong winds and large swell from Tropical Cyclone Oma.

Surf Life Saving Gold Coast duty officer Sue Neil said lifesavers have been pulling people out of surf all morning.

SWIMMERS WARNED TO ‘STAY OUT’ AS OMA SITS OFF COAST

Young kids were spotted playing a dangerous game with the large surf at Froggies Beach near Snapper Rocks. Picture: Kathleen Skene

“We had a few people this morning (head into the surf) about 5am,” she said.

“We quickly got them out and they were quite happy to obey our message... it’s too dangerous to go out swimming, it’s too dangerous to go out surfing.

The kids were seen ducking behind a wall as large waves crashed over the rocks. Picture: Kathleen Skene

“I guess people think they know better but they do risk the chance of putting themselves in danger.

“We don’t know if there are risks underneath, but if they get into trouble they are putting the surf lifesavers in danger.”

Large amounts of water were seen coming over the rocks. Picture: Kathleen Skene

Conditions on the beach are still dangerous with wind gusts blowing up to 90km/h.

“Conditions are still very bad. We have three to four hundred metres of turbulent water, especially at high tide,” Mrs Neil said.

“We expect it to continue for the weekend.”

CYCLONE OMA PREDICTED TO BRING SEVERE EROSION TO COAST BEACHES

Surfers are seen riding waves at Kirra on the Gold Coast, Saturday, February 23, 2019. Huge swells and high tides are pummelling southeast Queensland beaches as Cyclone Oma sits off the Queensland coast. (AAP Image/Darren England)

All Gold Coast beaches are patrolled by a minimum of three lifeguards this weekend, with each beach also monitored with surveillance cameras.

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said people will be prosecuted if they chose to ignore lifeguards.

“The surf is still dangerous, and as you can see warning signs have been issued,” he said.

“I talked to surf lifesavers this morning and they are amazed with the number of people who literally just run past the signs saying the beach is closed.

“Once they get to the water, lifesavers have to physically go into the water to get them.

“It’s amazing people are taking other people’s life’s into their own hands.

“If they don’t listened, we will get police involved. They will be prosecuted. They are putting others in danger.”

The adviser being given to Gold Coasters from the Mayor is to stay back behind the fencing and enjoy the view by watching from safe areas.