Gold Coast Lifesavers kept on toes over holiday period as number rescues rise

TWO Gold Coast estuaries have become rescue hot spots for volunteer Surf Lifesavers today. Three of the eight people rescued were found outside of the flags.

Surf Lifesavers standing between the flags. Picture: Brendan Radke.

TWO Gold Coast estuaries have become rescue hot spots for volunteer Surf Lifesavers today. Three of the eight people rescued were found outside of the flags.

As swimmers braved windy conditions to soak up some sun and have a splash lifesavers were kept on their toes with four separate rescues.

Lifesavers had a hectic day on Gold Coast beaches today. Picture: Brendan Radke.

Southport proved a hotspot today with a 65-year-old woman helped to shore about midday and shortly after a three-year-old rescued in the Broadwater.

Less than an hour later lifesavers responded to three 20-year-old males who were swimming in the Broadwater swimming enclosure. The young men had to be rescued after struggling to swim.

#RESCUE Lifeguards have assisted three 20yo men in difficulty while swimming between the flags at the #Southport #Broadwater swimming enclosure 🏖️🏊‍♀️🏖️ pic.twitter.com/OheHzRPYAR

— Surf Life Saving QLD (@lifesavingqld) January 8, 2018

It is believed all swimmers were swimming between the flags when they found themselves in trouble.

Locals and holiday-makers are warned to swim between the flags after three young girls were rescued from Tallebudgera Creek today. Picture: Jerad Williams

But three young girls rescued at Tallebudgera Creek were outside the flagged area, renewing warnings for all locals and tourists to always only swim in the patrolled areas.

More to come.