'Awesome' but dangerous rips see 18 people rescued at Noosa

Lifeguards at Noosa have rescued 18 people in flash rips as the hazardous surf swells begin to ramp up.

A hazardous surf warning is in place from the Sunshine Coast to Fraser Island with three-metre swells set to pump. Picture: Patrick Woods

LIFEGUARDS at Noosa have rescued 18 people in flash rips as swells begin to ramp up. 

Some of the rescues included children. 

Californian expat Paul Tompkins made the most of the "awesome" conditions.

"I surfed Noosa spit twice yesterday then again this morning," Mr Tompkins said today Alexandra Headland. 

"Then we surfed Noosa river mouth which was seriously fun. Now we're about to do Alex.

"They've increased the intervals to around 13, so I'm loving it."
 

A HAZARDOUS surf warning is in place from the Sunshine Coast to Fraser Island with three-metre swells set to pump.

The Bureau of Meteorology are warning the waters will be hazardous for coastal activities such as rock fishing, boating and swimming.

Forecaster Jess Gardner said the swells are due to a long period of 12-second easterly swells.

Surf Lifesaving Queensland lifeguards were involved in six rescues yesterday, including two children swimming in a rip at Kings Beach.

Flash rips were also seen at Noosa but as it stands only Buddina Beach has been closed by lifeguards.

However the rough conditions are expected to worsen throughout the day.

Surf Life Saving Queensland advise that:

• People should consider staying out of the water and avoid walking near surf-exposed areas.
• Rock fishers should avoid coastal rock platforms exposed to the ocean and seek a safe location that is sheltered from the surf.
• Boaters planning to cross shallow water and ocean bars should consider changing or delaying their voyage.
• Boaters already on the water should carry the appropriate safety equipment and wear a lifejacket.
• Boaters should remember to log on with their local radio base and consider their safety management plan.

The scattered showers that the Coast saw yesterday have cleared as expected, with mostly fine conditions forecast today.

Some parts of the exposed coastal regions may see showers.

Banksia Beach saw the highest rainfall totals with 11mm, while Palmview and Caboolture saw 6mm.