Boating Warning: New dangers in Queensland

Ex-tropical cyclone Debbie has departed but the hazards to holiday boating remains from as far north as the Burdekin River all the way down to Tweed Heads.

Queensland Main Roads, Road Safety and Ports Minister Mark Bailey urged boaties to exercise extreme caution over coming days.

"With the arrival of the Easter school holidays many families will be keen to get out on the water as soon as possible but responsible skippers should be carefully considering their plans," Mr Bailey said.

"Post cyclonic weather has created a serious risks to safe navigation including missing or relocated navigation aids, changed depths, stronger currents and submerged hazards.

"I urge boaties to keep a proper lookout at all times, operate at reduced speeds and avoid boating at night.

"Even with the passing of the severe weather system conditions could still be unstable.

Large seas off both the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast have been making offshore boating unsafe.

As a kayak with a bitten craft recently found out in Moreton Bay, there are plenty of sharks cruising for an easy meal, too.

The bar crossings at Noosa, Mooloolaba, the Gold Coast Seaway, Currumbin Creek and Tweed River have all been dangerous this past week.

"If you do head out let your local volunteer rescue group know when you’re leaving and when you’re due back and leave contact details," Mr Bailey said.

All boaties should make sure there is a lifejacket for everyone on board and everyone knew where they were and how to put them on in an emergency.

Be prepared for sudden unexpected weather changes and at the first sign of deteriorating weather make sure everyone on board is wearing a lifejacket.

Have an alternative plan to reach shelter if you can’t get back to your usual mooring or boat ramp and ensure you have enough fuel to get there.

"Importantly, the prospect of heavy rains raises another risk for boaties of carbon monoxide build-up," Mr Bailey added.

"Make sure that you have good ventilation throughout the vessel when underway to avoid the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

"This odourless, deadly gas an easily build up if clears are down due to wet weather.

Check weather conditions before heading out and keep checking while on the water.

But, most importantly, if in doubt – don’t go out is the advice from authorities.

Check out the Bureau of Meteorology's Marine Weather forecasting pages.