Boating Warning: SE Queensland, Brisbane, Moreton Bay

Reports of potential wild winds and high seas in South-East Queensland later this week, and into the weekend, has led to the Queensland Water Police to urge boaties to take care when heading out on the water.

Senior Sergeant David Edden from Water Police Brisbane said that the current forecast for Brisbane and Moreton Bay is for very strong winds and high seas, building late Wednesday (August 3, 2016), and continuing through to Saturday.

"Everyone thinking of heading out on the water over the coming days should take care, and take particular note of the forecast weather conditions for the coming days.

"Make sure all your safety equipment such as Flares, EPIRB and radio are up to date and working correctly, and your vessel is in proper working order.

"Being prepared for the forecast conditions, and ensuring you have the right safety gear can save your life, and the lives of people on your boat." Senior Sergeant Edden said

Senior Sergeant Edden said Police in Queensland spend approximately 5500 hours each year conducting searches and rescues for people who have gone out unprepared.

"Police, Volunteer Marine Rescue and Coastguard personnel risk their lives saving people who go out unprepared on the water.

"By taking a few simple precautions boaties can get to go home safely at the end of the day and so do the police and volunteers who are out on the water keeping them safe," the Senior Sargeant Edden adds.

The boat in the opening photo accompanying this story is the Surtees 6.7 Game Fisher tested on Moreton Bay through Northside Marine. But even those with seaworthy trailerboats like this need to heed the weather warnings. Here are the top sits and links for boating weather forecasts in Australia...

BOM'S VITAL BOATING WEATHER LINKS
Wherever you’re setting sail, cruising, fishing and boating in Australia, the marine weather warnings, forecasts and information you need are available on the Bureau’s website at www.bom.gov.au/marine/.

BOM's graphical mapping tool MetEye allows you to zoom to any location and visualise the weather forecast. To help you better plan your journey, MetEye has recently been upgraded to include new wind wave and swell forecasts. Your boatsales and BoatPoint crew thoroughly recommend this excellent forecasting tool available at www.bom.gov.au/australia/meteye.

When out on the water, tune into the weather on your marine radio at www.bom.gov.au/marine/radio-sat/marine-radio-sat.shtml.

Remember, weather is only one aspect of marine safety. Check in with your state or territory marine safety agency to find out what other precautions you should take to stay safe on the water. More at State and Territory regulations