Gympie Inspector warns hoons on Teewah and Rainbow Beach

A police operation that resulted in numerous dangerous drivers busted on both Teewah and Rainbow Beach over the weekend has resulted in a stern warning from the Gympie Inspector.

A police operation that resulted in numerous dangerous drivers busted on both Teewah and Rainbow Beach over the weekend has resulted in a stern warning from Gympie Patrol Inspector Pat Swindells.

When police attended Teewah Beach on Saturday, July 17, they found a makeshift drag strip that had been constructed using witches’ hats and glow sticks, along with someone hanging outside their window while driving.

These incidents were part of a long list of infringements issued for other reckless behaviour, including drink driving, burnouts, not wearing a seatbelt, not having control of the vehicle and speeding.

Inspector Swindells said the complaints had been happening since late last year, but it had been relatively quiet over winter until the “unacceptable” and “inappropriate” behaviour at the weekend.

“It wasn't that long ago that a couple of young fellows were hooning on the beach and one person got ejected from the car and got rolled on and killed,” he said.

“People are being injured as a result of stupid driving and the consequences are dire.”

Inspector Pat Swindells, Gympie Police.

Insp Swindells said videos of the dangerous driving were being posted on social media, with some of the “stupid” behaviour including being towed behind a four-wheel-drive on a wakeboard.

“What could go wrong there … you fall off and hit the sand at high speed,” Insp Swindells said.

“One stupid decision can ruin the rest of your life.”

Insp Swindells put the latest bout of stupid behaviour down to the “perfect” weather conditions and the increasing number of four-wheel-drives being purchased.

He said it was a “small minority” ruining it for everyone else, as most drivers did the right thing.

“We are just trying to provide the best education to these drivers that we can; it’s a joint operation between ourselves and Parks and Wildlife to provide education,” he said.

“When they are on the beach we are going up to them and engaging with them and just telling them what can go wrong and how to drive on the beach.”

Sergeant Chris Watson from Gympie Police Station. Photo Patrick Woods / Gympie Times

Officer in Charge of the Road Policing Unit in Gympie, Chris Watson, said police would continue to conduct traffic operations in the coming weeks.

“It looks like despite the signage they seem to disregard that as soon as they get on the beach,” Sgt Watson said.

“(Police presence) is immeasurable.

“As soon as they see a police vehicle, the behaviour settles right down.”