In a tragic accident, a windsurfer drowned at Caloundra around 3pm.

The man was found unconcious in the river mouith at the north end of Pumicestone Passage, north of Bribie Island.

Lifesaving services co-ordinator Byron Mills said lifesavers were alerted by a triple-0 call from a person staying at units opposite the beach.

An inshore rescue boat and jet skis were used in the search for the man, who was found in the water, unconscious and not breathing.

Mr Mills said lifesavers attempted to resuscitate the man for 10 to 15 minutes before ambulance crews arrived.

They continued to perform CPR for another 10 to 15 minutes until he was transported to Caloundra Hospital. He was later pronounced dead.

Lifesaving services manager for Surf Lifesaving Queensland, George Hill, confirmed last night the man was a kite surfer, following witness reports he might have been a wind surfer.

The cause of death remained unknown.

?This is an absolute tragedy, it?s a very sad day, especially given that this has happened during the Christmas break,? Mr Mills said.

He said king tides and recent bad weather had meant a relatively quiet festive season in the water, but the strong winds were favourable for kite surfers.

He was unsure how the man drowned and whether there were any contributing factors, but said there were no signs to determine his cause of death other than by drowning.

The man?s distraught partner, who was on the beach, was comforted by friends while the man was taken to hospital in the ambulance.

Meanwhile it was a busy day for lifesavers across the Sunshine Coast yesterday, with another nine people needing to be rescued at various locations.

One person was rescued from Alexandria Bay after being caught in a rip, while five people were caught in a rip at Mooloolaba.

Three kite surfers had to be rescued after being caught in two separate rips off Caloundra. The conditions were caused by king tides which forced closure of several beaches.

Discussed in these topics:
    Kitesurfing/General - Sunnycoast weather,boxing day
    Kitesurfing/General - Caloundra Passge Sand Bar
    Windsurfing/General - Windsurfer Drowned