A mass rescue was performed in the Maroochy River mouth during a challenging long weekend for Sunshine Coast lifesavers and lifeguards.
They performed 59 rescues, 4,363 Preventative actions and 422 first aid treatments from Friday until late Sunday.
Mudjimba SLSC lifesaver and jet ski operator Jake Fallis was heavily involved in a rescue at Maroochydore, where swimmers were swept off the sandbank on the outgoing tide.
“I was just on a routine patrol in the river mouth and was on my way out when I got waved down by members of the public, who were pointing at this group of people who seemed to be in trouble,” he said.
“I think I brought in 15 people in total, with the assistance of a Maroochy lifeguard and Maroochydore IRB. They all went into action pretty quick once I put the call out.”
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Mr Fallis, who does patrols from Peregian to Maroochydore, said his training paid off.
“Initially it was a surprise to me (to see so many people in trouble) but my instincts did kick in and all the training we do throughout the year really helped me get through that situation.”
The 23-year-old said conditions can be challenging for anyone who enters the water at the river mouth.
“You’ve always got to be careful there because it goes out to sea and when the current does turn it is strong.”
“It was pushing people quickly (on Sunday) and I think that’s where this group got in trouble.
“There was quite a steep drop and as soon as you step off that sandbar you are pretty much in the strong current.”
The Mudjimba SLSC member’s efforts were commended by Sunshine Coast Surf Life Saving duty officer Jacob Thomson.
“It goes to show that having the roving jet-skis is a benefit to us,” he said.
“They rove continually and this one was in the right place at the right time.
“He did really well … until further help got there.”
Packed beaches
Mr Thomson said there were masses of beachgoers around the region during the long weekend, particularly at Alexandra Headland, Noosa and Kings Beach.
“At Kings the flags wouldn’t have been wide enough to get everyone in. It was a busy time down there,” he said.
“Fifty-nine (rescues) is not too bad for the weekend. The population on the beaches has been astronomical.”
About 83% of the rescues were performed outside of flags.
