Lifeguard in court for hitting sunbathers

A Gold Coast lifeguard accused of running over two sunbathers in a four-wheel drive was on his way to help a collapsed swimmer, his lawyer says.

Luke Bartlett, 24, made a brief appearance at Southport Magistrates Court on Wednesday after being charged with dangerous operation of a motor vehicle.

Bartlett is accused of running over the two tourists while they sunbathed on Surfers Paradise beach on December 23.

Dominic Francisco, 26, from England and Canadian Saba Akbarishandiz, 28, were hospitalised with leg and chest injuries.

Speaking outside the court, Bartlett's lawyer Jason Jacobson said his client was "devastated" by the charges.

He said Bartlett was going to the aid of a collapsed swimmer at the time of the accident.

It's been reported the injured tourists are in discussion with lawyers following the incident while the Gold Coast City Council have been conducting their own review of the incident.

Bartlett's case has been adjourned until March 27.