Daredevils jetskiing and body-boarding in flooded waterways in southeast Queensland have been warned they could divert authorities from important rescue missions.
Queensland Police Commissioner Ian Stewart says some people are ignoring warnings to stay safe and he fears they could cause emergencies which put the lives of rescuers at risk.
Footage and photos have emerged on social media and on news websites of people jetskiing and body boarding on flooded dams.
"If they have an accident or come adrift and require rescuing, that's an avoidable situation - it is about putting emergency personnel in harms way," Mr Stewart told reporters on Thursday afternoon.
"They may be taking emergency personnel away from an important job."
He warned that those caught in the act by police could face penalties.
A massive 200mm of rain fell in parts of Brisbane in the 12 hours to midday on Thursday, while 380mm fell at Springbrook on the Gold Coast hinterland.
The monthly average rainfall for Brisbane in March is 110mm.
The torrential rain has caused flash flooding and dams to swell across the southeast corner resulting in a number of swift-water rescues.
Cars have been stranded, train stations have been flooded disrupting services and schools and some banks have closed.
