Anyone could tell me what are the tides doing (current directions, strength...) along the Gold Coast between Coollangatta and South Straddie please?
A map or diagram would be great

Here is the info that you need;

oceancurrent.imos.org.au/

oceancurrent.imos.org.au/sst.php

The lifeguard was probably referring to the East Australian Current, which predominantly runs North to South down the east coast of Aus. At different times of year, and different points you can get back eddies, clockwise eddies which run north along the coast, very handy for people travelling north by boat, they will tend to stick closer inshore, same with whales migrating north.

On the first day of a Northerly the "sweep" close to the beach will start moving from North to South and will strengthen over progressive Northerly days.

On the first day of a Southerly change the "sweep" close to the beach will start moving from South to North and will strengthen over progressive Southerly days until the Easterly "swing" day where the "sweep' will decrease slightly until the next Northerly sea breeze.

The "sweep" or "current" is unaffected by tidal movement.