Water sports coach on child exploitation charges

A former sport teacher at a Sunshine Coast private school has been arrested and charged with possessing and distributing child exploitation material.

The 40-year-old man was a current coach within a major water sports association.

Police are appealing for potential victims to come forward as part of ongoing investigation.

Detectives from the Sunshine Coast Child Protection Investigation Unit executed a search warrant at an address in Mooloolaba on March 20 where a number of items of interest were seized.

He is due to appear in Maroochydore Magistrates Court on May 5.

Detectives are appealing for anyone who may have had interactions with the man or know of any potential victims to come forward with further information.