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1:11PM Saturday 04 July, 2009

Near drownings prompt safety call

17 November 2008

Beachgoers are reminded to swim between the flags after a 47-year-old man and two young children nearly drowned at Noosa North Shore on last Sunday.

Surf Life Saving Queensland duty officer David McLean said the man – who reportedly made his own way back to shore with the children near First Cutting – required oxygen and was taken to Noosa hospital for a check up.

“He had swallowed a lot of water and was given oxygen on the shore,” Mr McLean said.

“They were taken by road in an ambulance to Noosa hospital to be checked over.”

The Energex Community Rescue Helicopter also landed at the scene where its paramedic gave the man a check up.

Mr McLean said the incident was a timely reminder to swimmers and beachgoers as the weather warmed up.

“This rescue shows the dangers of swimming at unpatrolled beaches,” he said.

“People need to be reminded of the risks they face.

“The beach between First Cutting and Teewah is notoriously dangerous and full of rips.”

A 48-year-old man drowned after being caught in a rip at Noosa North Shore in March last year.

He was swimming with his son moments before the tragedy at the unpatrolled Third Cutting.

Mr McLean said swimmers and water users should ask a lifesaver if they were unsure about conditions, always swim between the flags, and note the conditions boards on display.

“People need to assess the conditions for themselves,” he said.

“And remember that the two hours either side of low tide are especially dangerous.”

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