A world-renowned respiratory virus expert from Queensland's Bond University is fighting for life in hospital after he was revived by lifesavers on a Gold Coast beach at the weekend.

Professor Christopher Del Mar is involved with Bond University's Faculty of Health Sciences & Medicine. Credit:Facebook

Professor Christopher Del Mar, 69, was pulled lifeless from the water at Miami Beach by off-duty volunteer surf lifesavers about 5.45am on Sunday.

Surf Life Saving Queensland said Professor Del Mar, who was surfing at the time, only regained consciousness after CPR efforts from lifesavers were successful.

He was taken to Gold Coast University Hospital in a critical condition and on Tuesday his condition was unchanged.