A SURFER at Rainbow Bay received a few more waves than expected on Friday.

The unknown surfer was spotted in the water close to Point Danger waving to shore about 9am on Friday.

Marine Rescue Point Danger commander Bernie Gabriel said the rescue group immediately contacted the life savers but onlookers at the lookout did not realise the surfer was in trouble and waved back.

"We noticed he was waving as soon as he came around the point and about a hundred people started to wave back," Mr Gabriel said.

"Very rarely will you have surfers just waving to the people on shore. They are out there in their own little world.

"We did have two members of the public come in to ask us if we noticed the surfer waving but only after he started waving with both hands and crossing his arms."

Mr Gabriel said that if someone noticed a person in the water waving then it should be reported.

"Anyone in the water should wave with both hands if possible crossing their arms. It's more obvious that they are trying to get attention," he said.

Mr Gabriel said that once Marine Rescue Point Danger notified life savers of the distress surfer he was rescued within minutes.

Rainbow Bay Surf Life Saving Club captain said his members were busy on the water with several rescue this weekend, including sending one surfer to hospital with minor injuries on Tuesday after he collided with another surfer.