HIGH school student Ben Read's faith in the safety of the Sunshine Coast has been shaken by a broad daylight bashing in a popular public area.

Mr Read, 17, needed two stitches in his lip and had punch marks visible on his stomach after a random attack while walking with three friends from Mooloolaba Beach.

As far as he could tell, the only thing he had done to incite his attacker was smile as he and his friends walked along an Alexandra Parade footpath about 3.30pm on August 2.

They had been at the beach and planned to head to a cinema.

"We walked past a group of people and one of them turned to me and said 'what are you smiling about'," Mr Read said.

Before he had time to react he copped a punch to the stomach, which was followed up with a punch to the face.

"I think he had a ring on because I got a pretty nasty gash on my lower lip."

Bloodied and shocked, Mr Read was helped up by his friends and driven to Nambour General Hospital for treatment.

As far as he knew, his attacker continued to walk away.

The Nambour State High School Year 12 student and Kureelpa resident has since spoken to police.

He said the man who hit him looked to be about 19 or 20 but he could not explain the reason for the attack.

"It just tells me that it's not even completely safe to walk around even in broad daylight."

Mr Read's mother, Trish Read, was angry about the attack but grateful her son hadn't hit his head on concrete when he fell.

"My big concern is this is 3.30 in the afternoon on a Sunday," Mrs Read said.

"As a parent it is terrifying."

Anyone with information can call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.