CLOSED: Dicky Beach volunteer surf lifesaver Craig Thomson keeps an eye on the rough conditions.

Jason Dougherty/The Daily

AUTHORITIES have urged beachgoers to check in with lifeguards and bureau warnings after unstable weather closed several Sunshine Coast beaches over the weekend.

A gale wind warning from the Bureau of Meteorology was reduced to a “strong wind” alert by mid-morning yesterday but the dangers were still very real on Coast beaches.

The Sunshine Coast coastguard confirmed a gale wind warning had been downgraded.

No further comment was available.

Kawana, Alexandra Headland, Marcoola and Dicky beaches remained closed throughout yesterday with south-east winds reaching 30 knots.

Meanwhile, a 60-year-old man was rescued by surf lifesaving volunteers at a Noosa beach about lunch time and was taken to Nambour General Hospital.

He was reported to have a pre-existing medical condition and had taken on some water prior to his rescue.

Sunshine Coast Surf Life Saving duty officer Graham Sharry said a kite surfer had to be rescued from Caloundra while nine others at Mooloolaba were rescued but required no further attention.

“Conditions are expected to remain unstable again today,” Mr Sharry said.

“Until we know what is happening with the low that is now a cyclone (Ului) off north-east Queensland and the high off the Tasman, we would urge everyone to take the necessary precautions.”

Mr Sharry said wind conditions had picked up again late yesterday afternoon.

“The red flags on the beaches are there for a reason,” he said.

“Take the advice of the lifeguards and the weather bureau and don’t take any unnecessary risks.”

Rainfall

For the seven days to 9am Sunday:

• Landsborough 138mm
• Maleny 101mm
• Nambour 95mm
• Palmwoods 75mm
• Noosaville 72mm
• Maroochydore 63mm
• Tewantin 60mm