And Port Macquarie lifeguard supervisor James Turnham says the beaches could remain closed until Thursday.

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a wind warning for Tuesday and Wednesday for strong winds. That warning covers the eastern seaboard, and includes the Macquarie coast.

Mr Turnham warned that entering the surf during this period ‘is a huge risk to everyone’.

“Just don’t go in the water,” Mr Turnham said.

“If you do you are taking a real risk and also putting those lifeguards and lifesavers that protect our beaches from also being placed at risk.

“The swell is pretty enormous.”

Mr Turnham said lifeguards decided to close all Port Macquarie beaches because of the conditions.

He said the decision was supported when a bodyboarder entered the water at Flynns Beach on Tuesday morning.

“He was immediately swept 500 metres around to Rocky Beach … and while he managed to get to shore, he was very very lucky.”

Mr Turnham described the swell as ‘enormous’, particularly on south face beaches.

Along with the huge swell are very strong currents running from the south to the north, he added.

Additionally a strong swell period of between 10 to 11 seconds has also been forecast with rockfishers in particular urged to be aware of the conditions when getting on and off exposed platforms.