By Margaret Maccoll
The brave action of three young surfers saved the life of one person caught in a rip at Peregian Beach on Sunday morning but sadly a 67-year-old man could not be saved.
Sunshine Coast Surf Lifesaving duty officer Sebastian de Paula said the man who was at the beach with his carer had been swimming about 200m north of the flagged area about 10.30am.
Coolum police acting sergeant Craig Hughes said the man got caught in a rip.
“The carer went to assist him and also got caught in the rip,” he said.
“Three juvenile surfers went to assist and saved the carer. Then they ran to alert surf lifesavers.”
The lifeguard said the man had been face down in the water and was unconscious when lifesavers pulled him from the surf and tried to resuscitate him.
Tragically the man could not be revived.
Sebastian said the weather had been good at the time but the surf was unstable with many rips.
“It’s very sad for the family,” he said.
Acting Sgt Hughes praised the three young surfers for their lifesaving action and said the tragedy showed how important it was to swim between the flags.
Police cordoned off the beach while investigations on the man’s death were conducted.
A report is being prepared by the coroner.
Peregian Beach was very busy on Sunday with fine weather, the Peregian Beach markets and the Village Vibes Festival attracting locals and tourists to the beach and village.
As a mark of respect the Ocean Vibes Sounds by the Sea concert was relocated from Peregian Beach Park to the village square and a Peregian Family and Friends meeting to have been held at the surf club was cancelled.
