Jet ski riders rescued by helicopter from large surf off South Stradbroke Island
A man and woman are lucky to be alive after they were rescued by helicopter after falling from their jet ski in large surf off the Gold Coast this morning. SEE THE VIDEO
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A ROUTINE coastline check has saved a couple’s life after they fell from their jet ski in large surf off South Stradbroke Island this morning.
The pair, both aged 32, were airlifted to shore by a Westpac Surf Rescue helicopter at 10.30am this morning after a large wave had thrown them from their jet ski and caused the vessel to sink.
The incident occurred about 2km south of Jumpinpin bar, not far from where a 54-year-old man had died while riding his jet ski earlier this week.
Rescue crewman Jack McNeil said the pair attempted to swim to shore but when they realised they couldn’t, returned to the jet ski.
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“When we arrived and saw the two patients we ended up taking the lady first, then came back for her partner and ensured they were both safe,” he said.
Though it’s unclear just how long the couple were treading water, they were reportedly “seriously fatigued” by the time of their rescue.
Mr McNeil said the incident should serve as a warning to other jet ski riders.
“Within the last year we seem to be rescuing more jet ski riders and overturned boats than actual swimmers in distress,” he said.
“With these two particular patients they did the right thing, they both had life jackets on and they stayed with their craft which made it very easy to find them.
“The best advice to boaties at this stage is to always sign in and out with (Volunteer Marine Rescue) when crossing those bars and heading out for the day.”
Though she didn’t want to be named the woman involved said they were “extremely lucky” to have been spotted by the chopper.
“The outgoing tide was so strong we could not swim in and hat to keep diving through the waves,” she said.
“We had life jackets on but it was hard to keep floating. We got to the ski, and tipped it over but could not get back on as the water was all through it and it kept flipping back over.
“So we though we would stay afloat and near the ski until our friends finally realised we were gone which could have been hours.
“It could have been a different outcome had we not been waving at the chopper.”
The helicopter was able to airlift the couple to shore, before a nearby boat transported them from South Stradbroke Island back to the Gold Coast.
It is understood the pair had not logged their trip with VMR.