A man is in a critical condition after a mass rescue effort on the Gold Coast.

The 20-year-old man was pulled from the water at Palm Beach, next to Tallebudgera Creek after attempting to rescue friends at around midday.

The man was conscious, but collapsed on the beach and was taken to hospital.

Six others were also rescued by lifesavers.

Three children had to be rescued by surf lifesavers after being caught in a rip at a nearby beach, and managed to walk away unscathed.

Surf lifesavers are pleading with people to swim between the red and yellow flags.

#currumbin Lifesavers are pleading with the public to swim between the red and yellow flags this Australia Day.

The Gold Coast beaches are experiencing unstable conditions, with a lot of rips sweeping people out to sea.#redandyellow #thisislifesaving pic.twitter.com/3HSVL5LwBa

— Surf Life Saving Queensland (SLSQ) (@lifesavingqld) January 26, 2021

Image: Google Maps