Sunshine Coast Easter holidays: SLSQ warns of dangerous conditions

Lifeguards are warning people to be careful after “inexperienced” jet skiers were rescued at the Maroochy River mouth and other rescues were completed between the flags.

Three inexperienced jet skiers had to be rescued from rough seas at the Maroochy River mouth as lifeguards warn dangerous conditions will continue.

Surf Life Saving Queensland has completed more than 90 rescues across Sunshine Coast beaches already this week, including some from inside the red and yellow flags, as hazardous surf has thrashed the region.

Several beaches have been closed.

Sunshine Coast lifeguard supervisor Trent Robinson said it was the busiest Easter lifeguards had experienced.

“The last three days have been on par to a busy Christmas period,” he said.

A surfer pictured making the most of the large waves at Mooloolaba Beach, Sunshine Coast during the Easter holidays. Picture: Brad Fleet

“With so many people around combined with the conditions it has been really challenging.”

He said that on Wednesday three young people had to be rescued from rough conditions at Maroochy River mouth after they were thrown from their jet skis.

“Those people had three brand new jet skis and they decided to try get out the Maroochy River mouth,” he said.

“They were inexperienced and shouldn’t have been there.”

He said they came off their skis and were left unable to swim to shore.

Lifeguards performed a quick rescue with their own skis to bring the trio to shore.

Lifeguard supervisor Trent Robinson wants swimmers and beachgoers to adhere to lifeguards’ advice. Picture: Tegan Annett

Mr Robinson said a paramedic was called for one young woman who had taken on water.

He said there were also rescues performed between the flags.

“Some of the rescues were swimmers between the flags who haven’t adhered to lifeguards’ warnings and have lost their footing and become out of their depth,” he said.

“Our open beaches have been particularly dangerous.

“These conditions are going to last for the rest of the week and into the Easter period so please adhere to lifeguard warnings and read the notice boards.”