As Tropical Cyclone Alfred approaches the coast, Noosa emergency services have responded to several water-related incidents in deteriorating conditions.
Jet Ski Rescue at Noosa North Shore
Emergency crews were called to Noosa North Shore on Thursday after three people became stranded on a jet ski approximately one nautical mile offshore. The alarm was raised just before midday when the group activated a flare after their watercraft broke down.
Chief lifeguard officer Trent Robinson confirmed that Noosa Coast Guard and a lifeguard coordinated the rescue, with the lifeguard bringing two people back to shore while Coast Guard retrieved the third person and later towed the disabled jet ski back to land.
Noosa Coast Guard Flotilla Commander Lindsay Hall expressed frustration at the “ridiculous” decision to venture out during cyclonic conditions. He noted the jet ski riders had no mobile phones with them and were only spotted thanks to alert lifeguards.
“The problem with jet skis is they think they can jump waves and that’s when they come to grief,” Commander Hall said. “Even the pros haven’t even gone out there this week.”
All three individuals escaped without injury according to Queensland Ambulance Service.
Sunshine Beach Teen Rescue Referenced in Noosa
At a Friday press conference in Noosa, Officer in Charge of the Sunshine Coast Water Police, Sergeant Kyle Bates, referenced both the Noosa North Shore jet ski incident and the rescue of two teenage boys at nearby Sunshine Beach as examples of dangerous behaviour.
“It’s dangerous activity under the current conditions. They should heed the warning, as there is a chance they may not receive assistance,” Sgt Bates said. “The lives of the lifeguards, volunteers, and our police officers are at risk due to the stupidity of these dangerous acts.”
Man Injured in Little Cove Fall
In a separate incident, a man in his 60s was injured after falling from a roof onto a pool fence at a Little Cove property on Thursday morning. Queensland Ambulance Service paramedics and firefighters worked together to extract the man, who suffered a “significant arm injury.” He was transported to Sunshine Coast University Hospital in stable condition.
Tropical Cyclone Alfred is expected to make landfall Saturday morning, with authorities warning of dangerous surf and unpredictable conditions across the Noosa region.
Published 8-March-2025