A spike in search and rescue missions has seen police resources stretched, prompting a warning for boaties to be extra cautious in Moreton Bay waters.
Three men have gone missing and a woman has died in the past three months, with a scaled back search and rescue operation still underway for a Norwegian diver who failed to resurface off North Stradbroke Island last week.
Officer in charge of Redland Bay water police Sergeant Paul Ryan said the increase in incidents had seen services stretched.
"These situations are becoming far too familiar," Sergeant Ryan said.
"Boating for many is a great pastime, and a lot of people get complacent, the weather isn't always the same."
"These incidents are very draining on our assets. Boats aren't cheap and for major searches we use two or three police boats with three or four officers on each, and other services to assist."
Sergeant Ryan said they also deployed rescue helicopters from across the state, police boats, coast guard and marine rescue boats, as well as volunteers.
"With police covering fuel costs for all of these vessels, it is costly and risky for those involved," he said.
Earlier this month rescue crews found the body of a woman who drowned after the boat she and her husband were fishing on capsized near Mud Island in strong swells. The pair were not wearing life jackets.
In May a search was called for Jordan Kelly, 26, after he failed to return from a mid morning surf ski expedition from Dunwich to Cylinder Beach.
Jack McDonald was with his friend when he went missing and said Mr Kelly came over to help him when his ski started taking water but slipped away when exhaustion set in. Mr McDonald paddled back to shore alone, the men were also not wearing life jackets.
At the same time, two jet ski riders became stranded, suffering hypothermia on mud flats on Russell Island after their ski broke down.
In April, a major search operation was established for boatie Trent Riley, 26, but it was called off after two weeks.
His boat was found driving uncontrolled off Mud Island near the Port of Brisbane.
Sergeant Ryan said having the right safety equipment was crucial to saving lives.
"A suggestion is to put legislation in place to make life jackets and man overboard lanyards compulsory on all vessels," he said.
"People going out need to make sure they have life jackets, flares, navigation lights on, make sure all the safety gear is current and that everyone on the vessel can access it.
"And you cannot rely on your phone to communicate or as a torch, it drains the battery and we can't contact you if your phone is flat."
Sergeant Ryan said locals needed to be more prepared for emergency situations before water expeditions.
"Underestimating the weather, it might be calm where they're coming from, but weather in the water can be very different.
"The tide might look calm but it can change very quickly with high winds, pressure waves and big swells.
"When you're in a small boat it doesn't take long for it to take water and you can get into trouble," he said.
Sergeant Ryan said there was no shortage of resources to check the weather before heading out on the water.
"If you don't have much knowledge of the area, ask someone who does and let people know where you're going then update them if you change your plans so we know where to look if something does go wrong.
"Even if you're kayaking or using paddle boards, it's really important to know your limits and not to go too far from shore," he said.
Police are preparing an investigation briefing for the coroner regarding the increase in incidents in the region.
Emily Lowe
Redland City Bulletin journalist covering community, politics, crime and human interest stories. Griffith University Alumni.
Redland City Bulletin journalist covering community, politics, crime and human interest stories. Griffith University Alumni.
