Swimmers ordered out of the water at Maroubra Beach after 20 people caught in flash rip, mass rescue unfolds

Swimmers at a popular beach in Sydney’s east were forced out of the water after more than 20 people were caught in a flash rip.

The shark alarm at Maroubra Beach went off about 3.20pm on Monday and sparked fears a shark had been spotted in the water.

However a Maroubra Beach Surf Life Saving Club spokesman said the alarm was sounded and the water cleared after more than 20 swimmers were caught in a rip.

There were no shark sightings.

“A mass rescue was performed today at Maroubra beach,” the spokesman said.

“More than 20 swimmers were caught in a flash rip at south Maroubra.”

The spokesman said volunteer lifeguards were able to retrieve all the swimmers safely despite “tricky” conditions.

“The conditions were tricky enough that the shark alarm was used shortly afterwards with an announcement for everyone to leave the water whilst the flags were relocated further along the beach,” the spokesman said.

“With the flags relocated another mass rescue of 10 swimmers was performed at Maroubra.

“It was a tense few moments, but the swift response from the lifesavers working alongside lifeguards was crucial in allowing everyone to have a safe swim at the beach.”

The spokesman said further rescues and preventive actions were performed throughout the rest of the day, and the beach closed at 6pm.

Video from the scene shows multiple swimmers gathered at shore after the warning was sounded.