UP to half a dozen spectators were quizzed by police after taking photographs at the Australian Surf Life Saving Championships at North Kirra on the weekend.

Police, acting on tip-offs from parents and lifesaving officials, checked the content on a number of amateur photographers’ cameras throughout the April 11-19 event.

Senior Sergeant Troy Lehmann of Coolangatta police confirmed officers had interviewed a number of spectators who had been photographing competitors.

Australian Surf Lifesaving Championship media_camera The Australian Surf Life Saving Championships being held at North Kirra beach, Gold Coast. Open Men's Surf Team Final which was won by Northcliff -A. Photo Scott Fletcher 1 of 49 media_camera The Australian Surf Life Saving Championships being held at North Kirra beach, Gold Coast. Ben O'Shea (17), Josh O'Shea (19), Johnny Hagan (17), Kirra Rigby (16) and Ela Samll (15). 2 of 49 media_camera The Australian Surf Life Saving Championships being held at North Kirra beach, Gold Coast. Ellen Newberry (16), Alison Hettner (15), Carla Fox (17) and Laura Fox (15). 3 of 49 media_camera The Australian Surf Life Saving Championships being held at North Kirra beach, Gold Coast. Matt Poole of Mooloolaba SLSC lost a bet to team mates so his punishment was that he had to paint his fingernails. 4 of 49 nav_small_close Want to see more?( 45 more photos in collection )Continue to full gallery nav_small_left nav_small_right

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He said one man in particular had come to the attention of authorities.

“Police looked at his camera, looked at the photos he was taking, took his name down and let him go,” he said.

“This bloke we’re talking about here on Saturday looked out of place.

“He was wearing socks and sandals down the beach, which isn’t the correct attire.

“He had a professional lens on his camera and his attire didn’t match.

“After being alerted to him, we checked him out.”

No charges were laid.

Surf Life Saving Australia praised police and officials for having public safety at the forefront.

media_camera Ironwoman winner Liz Pluimers in action at North Kirra. Picture: Richard Gosling

The organisation’s capacity and capability general manager, Nathan Hight, said the man identified was “challenged” by officials after he was thought to have been taking inappropriate photos.

Mr Hight said the man was identified by a member of a team assembled for the titles to assist police in catching offenders who might attempt to “exploit” the competition.

“We have a team of people who are monitoring for a whole range of scenarios — crime et cetera,” he said.

“We had a couple of incidents where people were challenged and their content was not of an illegal nature.

“They were checked and allowed to continue on with their day.”

The man responsible for managing the national titles said Surf Life Saving Australia had a responsibility to protect its members and patrons.

media_camera Action from the Australian Surf Lifeaving titles at North Kirra. Picture: Luke Marsden.

Snr Sgt Lehmann said the fact multiple tip-offs were made was evidence the system had worked.

But the officer also admitted police had to “deal with people’s perceptions”.

“The juniors started first which was the first few days and obviously when there are kids involved, everyone’s on high alert,” he said.

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