Queensland Ambulance paramedics treat three swimmers after string of near-drownings on Gold Coast

Rough conditions on Gold Coast beaches have nearly taken the lives of several people this morning, prompting “debris” warnings from paramedics and surf life savers.

ROUGH conditions on Gold Coast beaches have nearly taken the lives of three people this morning, prompting warnings from paramedics and surf life savers.

Surf Life Saving Queensland has warned of water movement and “significant debris” after the Gold Coast was soaked by torrential downpours late Friday and into Saturday.

Queensland Ambulance paramedics were called to three near-drownings between 9am and midday.

The first occurred at Palm Beach about 9am, when a man aged in his 40s was pulled from the surf, a Queensland Ambulance spokeswoman said.

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He was treated by paramedics and declined to be taken to hospital.

Two hours later, at 11.19am, a woman in her 30s ran into trouble at Palm Beach.

The swimmer was also treated by paramedics and declined transport.

Two of the near-drownings occurred at Palm Beach.

Under an hour later, at 11.55am, a man in his 40s experienced difficulties while swimming at Main Beach. Paramedics were still at the beach about 12.50pm.

Queensland Ambulance issued a warning for swimmers in a statement on Twitter.

“We want to remind those planning on taking a trip to beaches today to take care and remember to follow all signage from Surf Life Saving Queensland,” it read.

Surf Life Saving Queensland (SLSQ) also took to the social media platform, urging swimmers to stay safe.

“Gold Coast swimmers are urged to exercise caution on Gold Coast beaches today, with large water movement and significant debris in the surf following recent rainfall,” a statement read.

“Please follow advice from surf lifesavers, and only swim between the red and yellow flags.”

SLSQ encourages beachgoers to chat to lifeguards on duty about localised conditions and beach safety before entering the water.