The rescue helicopter was tasked just before 1.30pm today (Sunday 16 February) and landed on a beach in the Noosa region.
It’s believed the international tourist had dived into shallow water and hit his head, before lifesavers pulled him from the water.
Lifesavers and Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) paramedics initially treated the patient, before the RACQ LifeFlight Rescue Critical Care Doctor and QAS Critical Care Flight Paramedic arrived on scene.
The aeromedical crew treated the swimmer for suspected spinal injuries before airlifting him to the Royal Brisbane & Women’s Hospital, in a stable condition.