AUTHORITIES are warning boaties and coastal residents to take care during looming king tides.
Acting Transport Minister Mark Ryan said higher-than-usual tides were already occurring along south-east Queensland’s coast and would reach maximum levels later this month.
“Maritime Safety Queensland is warning people living close to the water may be affected and should move tinnies, kayaks, garden furniture and other items away from the water’s edge,” he said.
“Keep a close watch over children playing in shallow water as tidal streams in these waters can be strong.”
The first of the year’s highest tides are expected from the Gold Coast up to Noosa and Fraser Island from January 22.
King tides are expected to reach about 2.8-metres across the Redlands, which is about 40-centimetres higher than normal high tides.
Mr Ryan said weather events like storms and cyclones could cause sea levels to be elevated above the expected height, warning coastal residents to stay abreast of weather conditions and storm surges.
Redland Bay Coast Guard commander Jason Boon said king tides were followed always by lower-than-usual tides, meaning boaties needed to take care of exposed sandbanks.
Currents were also stronger because of stronger tidal flows, he said.
“With a larger tide you also have a lower tide that follows,” he said.
Ports in northern Queensland ports will experience their highest predicted tides of the year from January 22 to February 20, depending on the location.
For tide information, visit msq.qld.gov.au/Tides/King-tides
King tide facts
– King tides are the highest predicted tides that occur at any place.
– They occur naturally and regularly, are predicted in tide books and are not a daily event.
– In a lunar month, the highest tides occur at the time of the new moon and full moon. These are called spring tides and they occur about every 14 days.
– In any year there will be two spring tides that are the highest, one during summer and one during winter. These are referred to as king tides.
– King tides occur around the new year but can be equally high in winter.
– The winter king tides are at night and not as obvious as those in the new year which generally occur during the day.
