Tragedy strikes at home
THE surf lifesaving season ended this week, but not without tragedy.
As Coolum Surf Life Saving Club held a small but poignant event on Monday to remember the lives of those lost on the beach, just north at Peregian a frantic search was under way for a missing father of two.
The 37-year-old Brisbane man was on a day trip with his wife and seven-month-old child on Sunday when he decided to go for one last swim before the drive home.
His body washed up on Marcus Beach early Wednesday morning.
The air, land and sea search had involved surf lifesavers, Water Police, the Coast Guard and several helicopters.
At Coolum's low-key service, with the flag at half mast, club president Peter Hopley took to the PA system to explain the importance of what they were doing.
The event had been arranged prior to Sunday's disappearance.
"We're gathered here to show strength and that we're all united ... to show we're a group of one."
Sunshine Coast beaches are now in the hands of Council's Lifeguards.
The "Blue and White" brigade will step up and patrol the 13 major locations seven days a week.
