Lifesavers pull 20 from rip

TWENTY swimmers were pulled from a rip at Surfers Paradise by surf lifesavers yesterday in a mass rescue.

Four patients were taken to Gold Coast University Hospital for treatment.

The male swimmers, all aged between 18 and 22 years, were caught in the rip and treated on the scene by four paramedic crews.

Two patients were initially transported with a further two being monitored on scene before paramedics determined they should be taken to hospital.

It is not known whether the stricken swimmers were schoolies.

A Surf Life Saving Queensland spokeswoman said such an event was “not rare” for Surfers Paradise beach.

“Surfers Paradise is quite dangerous and known for its rips,” she said.