Deteriorating weather conditions on the NSW Mid_North Coast have prompted an urgent warning from the Royal Life Saving Society NSW for people to avoid taking unnecessary risks during the current floods across the region.

"We've already seen flooding deaths in the Northern Territory and Queensland during the past few weeks in the floods through people either using the flood waters as fun parks or while attempting to cross causeways in dangerous conditions," Royal Life Saving Society NSW Regional Manager Jason Phillips said. "No matter how long you've lived in the area and how well you know the roads, you just can't afford to take unnecessary risks. Kids love the idea of swimming the 'rapids' created by flood waters but all it takes is a surge in the water or to be struck by submerged debris and you can drown within seconds.

"Storm water drains are particularly risky areas during flooding because you can get sucked into the fast flowing water very rapidly. "For drivers, if the water is as little as 30cm high across a road, your car can be swept away. "The rain doesn't look likely to let up in the next day or so. What you can't possibly know when you're looking at a flooded road or causeway is how much water might be about to surge downstream or how fast that water is flowing. Looks are often deceiving and the water is generally flowing much faster than you might think.

"Often the road surface simply washes away with the force of the flooding. As you're driving along that's not something that is obvious. "So please, don't take any unnecessary risks this week. Even if it takes you longer, it's always better to get home safe and sound." For further information, please contact Jason Phillips, Royal Life Saving Society NSW Regional Manager on 0408 021 252.