Surf lifesavers from across the state have responded to the extreme weather event which affected the Mid North Coast in May, lending support to NSW SES and other emergency service agencies in rendering assistance to flood-ravaged communities in the area.
Strike teams of trained flood response personnel deployed to Taree and surrounds from Wednesday 21 May and have aided immediate response efforts and subsequent relief and recovery efforts, with Surf Life Saving assets including vehicles, Inflatable Rescue Boats (IRBs) and UAVs all utilised.
In all, 35 lifesavers across 10 teams of three and four, comprised of in- and on-water flood operators, UAV pilots and team leaders, took on missions including rescues, welfare checks, food resupplies, clean ups and intel gathering.
“We are devastated by the destruction we’ve seen as a result of this severe weather event, but we’re extremely proud of our volunteer lifesavers who stepped up and provided support to those impacted communities on the Mid North Coast,” SLSNSW President, Peter Agnew AM said.
“The inter-agency collaboration on the ground has played a huge part in assisting these communities in their efforts to rebound under trying conditions, while our lifesavers have been heavily involved in helping members of the public displaced by flood waters to seek shelter and safety.
“Our lifesavers are highly trained individuals, and we are constantly providing them with enhanced training to ensure they are appropriately equipped to go out into these conditions and provide that assistance to the community as safely as possible.”
The Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter has made several rescues over the past week, while also providing aerial surveillance to ensure search paths are as clear and safe as possible.
While the severe weather has dissipated, lifesavers remain engaged by NSW SES for recovery efforts and damage assessments in the region.
Thursday 29 May 2025
