Surfers tackle big waves at Gold Coast beaches despite weather warnings

Authorities have expressed concerns surfers will run into trouble while tackling big waves across the Gold Coast.

AUTHORITIES say surfers face little risk of shark attacks while tackling waves whipped up by wild weather, with nets removed for safety reasons.

Gold Coast City Council Mayor Tom Tate and Surf Life Saving Queensland (SLSQ) lifesaver Nathan Fife were more concerned surfers would lose boards and run into trouble – despite a surfer being bumped by a shark at Burleigh over the weekend.

Surfers at Coolangatta on Sunday. Picture: Jason O'Brien

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Surfers could become tangled in wayward shark control gear if nets and drum lines were not removed ahead of the dangerous conditions, according to Cr Tate and Mr Fife.

In 1992, Gold Coast boy Paul Rogers drowned at Nobby Beach after his surfboard’s leg rope wrapped around a shark drum line.

GCWSR (Gold Coast World Surfing Reserve) reported on its Instagram page on Sunday that a shark had bumped a surfer at Burleigh Cove at 4pm on Saturday while beaches were closed and after shark nets had been removed.

Spectators watch on as surfers hit the waves at Coolangatta. Picture: Jason O'Brien

Cr Tate said he was worried about surfers running into trouble while tackling the big swell.

“Of course I’m concerned as any surfer getting into difficulty takes resources away from other areas. It makes no sense to put your own life, and the lives of rescuers, at risk,” he said.

“Our beaches are closed for safety reasons and that obviously includes swimming or surfing in the rough waters. Our city social media sites, and all media, are advising people to stay away from the beaches.”

A surfer falls from his board at Kirra on Sunday. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Steve Holland

Cr Tate said there was a “far greater chance of losing their board after a leg rope snaps and then finding themselves in serious trouble” than of a shark attack.

“Nets are a state government asset but I support them being removed in situations like this. If they rip free, they can be a real danger to vessels as well as marine life,” he said.

Mr Fife, SLSQ Gold Coast lifesaving services co-ordinator, said it was likely surfers seen at beaches were quite experienced.

A surfer at Coolangatta. Picture: Jason O'Brien

Some people spotted surfing at city beaches were accompanied by jetskis.

“Beaches are closed, people aren’t swimming. There’s some experienced surfers out at places like Currumbin and Snapper, but most people have stayed away from the beach,” he said.

“Surf Life Saving Queensland is telling people if you don’t have to go out, don’t go out. Wait for the conditions to improve – you’re risking the lives of other people if you do get stuck.”

Mr Fife said removing the nets was “100 per cent” the right call.

Beaches have been closed across the city. Picture: Jason O'Brien

“Surfers can get tangled up in them, leg ropes can get caught and people can drown,” he said. “They also get destroyed and wash up on beaches. The state government spends a lot of money in gear and equipment.

“We’ve got to warn people, shark nets have been taken out, there’s marine creatures out in the ocean and it’s a safety measure that’s been taken away. Another reason not to be in the water.”

He said nets which come loose could also become tangled on vessels.

Originally published as Surfers tackle big waves at Gold Coast beaches despite weather warnings