Since the crisis began, the number of surf lifesavers involved in the flood relief effort in NSW has grown to more than 700, with a massive effort mounted by volunteers on the flood frontline to assist SES and Police with the unfolding disaster.

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

More than 90 UAV operators were either on standby or in the field, giving the SES vital aerial intelligence on the extent of the disaster. NSW Director of Lifesaving, Joel Wiseman, has thanked all those involved and everyone who has offered to assist, either in their local area or to travel to flood affected areas to help. “The response to the callout for volunteers has been amazing,” he said. “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.”

Volunteer surf lifesavers across Southeast Queensland and Northern New South Wales are going above and beyond in their service to their communities, as severe flooding continues to impact the region.

Surf Life Saving Queensland and Surf Life Saving New South Wales are working alongside State Emergency Services to deal with the widespread and significant flooding.

Local surf lifesavers are on the front lines providing welfare checks, lending their club Inflatable Rescue Boats (IRBs) to reach those in need as well as performing skilful rescues where necessary.

The Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter has also been deployed to provide flood drops to targeted areas, while other key assets including UAVs, Duty Officers, and liaison officers are on the ground at affected sites or stationed at Emergency Operation Centres to help coordinate responses.

Surf Life Saving Australia would like to thank all the volunteer surf lifesavers who are assisting their local communities in this time of need. Our thoughts are with everyone who has been impacted by the floods.