The rescue of two British backpackers on a Gold Coast beach could encourage more people to buy
online travel insurance as they prepare for their trip.
WA Today reports that the Carrumbin reserve boat crew had to perform a series of rescues when heading out for a training row at the Gold Coast's Scarborough Beach in preparation for the Australian Surf Life Saving championships.
First, two British backpackers had to be rescued after being spotted caught in an ocean rip, before minutes later an Irish swimmer was seen from the beach caught in the same situation.
Two members of the rescue team plunged back into the waves and saved the Irishman with the help of a rescue tube. He was later given oxygen on the beach.
The Australian coastline is notorious for its tidal dangers which often catch swimmers off-guard, especially those unfamiliar with the local environment.
Backpackers could seek
gap year travel insurance and ensure they seek local advice before they go for a swim.
The Gold Coast is a city in the Australian state of Queensland.
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