Port Macquarie lifeguards issue warning following dangerous surf conditions

Port Macquarie lifeguard supervisor James Turnham said people continue to put themselves at risk in dangerous surf conditions.

"The swell has picked up over the last few days because of the weather conditions to the south of Port Macquarie," he said.

"Because we have had good conditions up until the past few days, people have become complacent.

"This time of year we're also not patrolling so we aren't on duty and that makes our response time longer if there is an emergency that we need to respond to."

A number of photos were posted to the Port Macquarie ALS Lifeguards page on Wednesday showing the ferocity of dangerous conditions at Lighthouse Beach.

"We are absolutely astounded that people make decisions like this, knowing that if they end up in danger it would trigger a response with lifeguards and other emergency personnel putting our own lives at risk to help," the post read.

"There has been multiple deaths at this location which occurred in very similar conditions to this."

Mr Turnham is encouraging locals to think of their safety first.

"This is a reminder for people to listen to the weather warnings before heading out and think twice about putting themselves and others at risk," he said.

"The conditions should improve on Friday and there aren't any other major warnings for the next week."

Lifeguard patrols will begin at six beaches across the Port Macquarie local government area on September 18.

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