Southeast Qld braced for hazardous surf conditions

Five Gold Coast beaches have been closed as powerful two- to three-metre waves pound the southeast Queensland coast.

Five Gold Coast beaches have been closed as powerful two- to three-metre waves pound the southeast Queensland coast.

Coast lifeguards have closed beaches on The Spit, Surfers Paradise and at Mermaid Beach and Nobby Beach as the big easterly swell makes ocean conditions treacherous.

“It’s a solid swell but surprisingly most of our 27 beaches are considered safe to remain open at this stage ,” chief lifeguard Chris Maynard said.

“However, that could change on the outgoing tide and we’ll be keeping a close eye on conditions throughout the day to see if we need to close any more beaches.”

Mr Maynard said while the surf was dangerous for swimmers, experienced surfers were revelling in pumping waves at pointbreaks from Burleigh Heads to Snapper Rocks.

Southeast Queenslanders were warned to postpone any plans for getting into the water on Tuesday following a hazardous surf warning issued from Fraser Island south to the Gold Coast.

The Bureau of Meteorology issued a warning on Monday afternoon for dangerous surf and swell conditions in the areas off the Fraser, Sunshine and Gold coasts.

The safety advice is issued for several coastal activities including rock fishing, boating and swimming.

Surf Life Saving Queensland advised people to stay out of the water and avoid walking near surf-exposed areas.

A Bureau of Meteorology spokesman said the hazardous conditions were expected to peak on Tuesday and should subside overnight, however there was potential for a second burst before the weekend.

“These dangerous conditions are generated by a slow-moving but intense system northeast of New Zealand affecting Queensland’s southeastern waters,” the spokesman said.

“We are expecting to see swells peak around 2.5-3m before calming Tuesday evening.”

A statement issued by SLSQ said boaters planning to cross shallow water and ocean bars should consider changing or delaying their voyage.

“Boaters already on the water should carry the appropriate safety equipment and wear a lifejacket.

“Rock fishers should avoid coastal rock platforms exposed to the ocean and seek a safe location that is sheltered from the surf.”

Originally published as Southeast Qld braced for hazardous surf conditions