Hordes of people expected to flock to Hobart beaches on Boxing Day as busy summer expected

As surf life savers gear up for a busy summer, hordes of people are expected to flock to Hobart’s beaches on Boxing Day, with warm weather forecast across the state.

Siblings Chloe Webb 16 and Thomas Webb 14 of Kingston Beach Surf Life Saving Club will be on patrol Boxing Day at Kingston Beach. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Hordes of people are expected to flock to the water on one of the busiest days of the year for Hobart’s surf life savers, with balmy temperatures predicted across the state on Boxing Day.

Beaches including Kingston, Clifton, and Carlton Park will be patrolled by local surf life saving clubs on Thursday.

A top of 29 degrees is forecast in Hobart, with a medium chance of showers, most likely in the evening.

Surf Life Saving Tasmania senior life saving co-ordinator Ned Reardon said Boxing Day was typically “really busy”, especially when the weather was pleasant.

“It’s all dependent on the weather here in Tassie as to how many people decide to head to the beach but it is looking like a really nice day for Boxing Day and we want people to go down and enjoy the coastline but to do it safely,” he said.

Siblings Chloe Webb 16 and Thomas Webb 14 of Kingston Beach Surf Life Saving Club will be on patrol Boxing Day at Kingston Beach. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Mr Reardon warned people against mixing alcohol and drugs with swimming and reminded beachgoers to stay between the red and yellow flags at patrolled beaches, not to swim alone, and to look out for rip currents or changes in the weather.

“We tell people to stop, look, and stay alive. So when you get to the beach, stop before entering the water, look for hazards or changes in conditions … and stay alive by having a plan of what you’re going to do if you get into trouble,” he said.

If people went to an unpatrolled beach, Mr Reardon advised them to “exercise extra care and really look for the risks”.

Kingston Beach Surf Life Saving Club patrol captain Janelle Kingston said new water-based Christmas gifts were often trialled at the beach on Boxing Day.

“If you received a kayak or [stand up paddle] board from Santa this year, we remind beachgoers to make sure they have a life jacket when using their new craft to abide by Tasmanian law,” she said.

“We love seeing everyone using their craft in the warm weather, but we encourage families to be mindful of conditions and assess the water before jumping on their brand-new inflatable flamingo.”

Up in the North-West, the Penguin Surf Life Saving Club is expecting a busy day.

Club president Allison Kable said crews will be on patrol between 12pm and 5pm.

“It’s looking like the weather is going to be favourable for beach activities,” she said.

The Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting a top of 23 degrees at Penguin with showers possible.

Ms Kable said people should check the Beachsafe website or app to find out times for their local patrols.

Originally published as Hordes of people expected to flock to Hobart beaches on Boxing Day as busy summer expected