Tasmania’s expertise in flood and swiftwater rescue has seen the state’s surf lifesavers called upon to help in rescue and recovery efforts following the impact of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

While the east coast low continues to affect much of southeast Queensland and northern NSW, Surf Life Saving Tasmania members have been called into action to assist Surf Life Saving NSW with operations at the coalface of the storm.

“We got the call on Friday afternoon seeking assistance for the severe weather event impacting northern NSW,” said Ned Reardon, SLST Senior Coordinator, Lifesaving Services. “We were able to assemble a crew on Saturday and they flew to Sydney on Sunday morning to join up with members from Surf Life Saving NSW.

“They’ve now departed up the coast and we remain on standby for any further requests from the affected area.”

Seven Swiftwater Rescue Technicians are currently on their way towards the far north coast of NSW, with the members coming from five different affiliates: Bicheno, Ulverstone, Carlton Park and Devonport surf life saving clubs and Kingborough Volunteer Marine Rescue.

Tasmania is home to Surf Life Saving Australia’s Centre of Excellence for Flood and Swift Water Rescue, making it an obvious choice for additional resources in times of emergency around the country.

With lifesavers from Queensland and NSW already involved in the emergency response, many of the experts on the ground have conducted training and earned qualifications from the CoE.

“Our members are expected to remain in the north of the state until the weekend at this stage, however resources are constantly being assessed by emergency services on the ground and Surf Life Saving Tasmania is ready to assist whenever and wherever is required.”