Gold Coast lifeguard charged with running over two tourists on Surfers Paradise beach

A GOLD Coast lifeguard who allegedly ran over two tourists on Surfers Paradise beach has been charged.

A GOLD Coast lifeguard who allegedly ran over two tourists on Surfers Paradise beach has been charged.

Police yesterday charged the 24-year-old man with dangerous operation of a motor vehicle over the December 23 incident.

A Brisbane couple, aged in their 20s, were hospitalised with leg and chest injuries after being run over by the Gold Coast City Council Lifeguard Service 4WD late in the afternoon.

Forensic Crash Unit police have investigated the incident which drew headlines around the country.

The lifeguard will face Southport Magistrates Court on February 5.

Two people were taken to hospital after being run over by a lifeguard vehicle on Surfers Paradise beach. Picture: Channel 7

The incident is still being reviewed by Gold Coast City Council.

Council chief executive Dale Dickson said the city would support the lifeguard.

"The recent incident is an extremely rare occurrence and any procedures which do need to be considered or reviewed will be implemented immediately based on the outcome of the investigations," he said.

"The council is conducting its own review and we are providing the lifeguard with full support as an employer."

The accident was the second such incident on a Gold Coast beach. A lifeguard ran over a university student on the sand at Kurrawa in 2007, causing severe injuries.

Victim Joel Faulkner called for improved safety procedures after that accident.

As the vehicle and a trailer carrying a jet ski drove over Mr Faulkner, the wheels cracked his ribs and tore flesh from his face, chest and legs.

The council's compulsory third-party insurance covered his hospital expenses but Mr Faulkner had received legal advice against a civil action.

A lifeguard is facing dangerous operation of a motor vehicle charges following the incident. Picture: Channel 7