SAVAGE rains and floods are impacting lives across NSW and Queensland, with seventeen local government areas (LGAs) declared as disaster areas

Port Stephens and the Myall Coast have so far not reached disaster levels, however the wild weather conditions have impacted our beaches.

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Notably Stockton Beach, along with a range of beaches from Coffs Harbour to Shell Harbour were closed over the weekend due to erosion and hazardous surf, with some SLSCs having no access to the beach to set up patrols or position rescue equipment.

Conditions across the state were deemed too dangerous for all coastal activities including swimming (including ocean pools), rock fishing and boating.

The iconic red and yellow flags were down across many beaches.

While riverine flooding in some locations is easing, the situation on NSW beaches is one of widespread erosion, damage to seawalls and access ways due to high tides and powerful surf.

Hazardous surf, lack of access for rescue craft, coupled with the strain on volunteer resources due to the flood response, particularly in the north, means many clubs will not be able to patrol this weekend and beaches will be closed.

Lifesavers conducted surveillance patrols from clubs and Support Operations callout teams are on standby for emergency incidents.

A 3-metre long-period swell from the East continued to batter the NSW coastline with conditions considered extremely hazardous for any coastal activity and in particular rock fishing.

High tides will likely continue to cause inundation and further coastal erosion while the continuing rain will see water quality deteriorate with debris from erosion or rivers and possible overflows of sewage and storm water systems.

Meanwhile the volunteers at Surf Life Saving have been rolling up their sleeves to assist with flood relief efforts.

More than 500 lifesavers answered the call.

By Wednesday there were more than 120 lifesavers active in the field with 43 Inflatable Rescue Boats deployed across NSW, most in western Sydney.

Callout teams have been conducting evacuations of people and in some cases animals stranded by floodwaters, assisting with food-drops and supporting other emergency services with logistics.

Along with IRBs, Duty Officers have been positioned in all of the Emergency Operations Centres as Liaison Officers and UAVs have been deployed to provide intel on conditions and will continue to assist in the recovery phase of the disaster.

“The response to the callout for volunteers has been amazing,” said Joel Wiseman.

“I’m so proud to be part of an organisation where so many people are willing to drop everything and lend a hand, including some of our members who themselves have lost their homes in this disaster.”

Emergency services resources were stretched over the weekend with ongoing flood operations and the usual resources to respond to emergencies on the coastline will be significantly reduced.

You can monitor beach patrol locations, times and conditions at the Beachsafe Website.

By Marian SAMPSON