Beaches at Austinmer, Bulli, Corrimal, Stanwell Park, Port Kembla, Thirroul, Towradgi, Windang and Wollongong City were closed throughout the day. Beaches at Bellambi, Coalcliff, Coledale, Fairy Meadow, North Wollongong, Sandon Point, Scarborough and Woonona remained open.

Surf Life Saving Illawarra spokesman Lachlan Pritchard said the windy and wet weather of the past few days had created unfavourable conditions at many beaches.

‘‘The surf has been fairly small but there’s a lot of water rushing about which is causing quite a few rips,’’ he said. 

‘‘Those beaches with favourable sand banks have been able to stay open, but several beaches have had to be closed due to the dangerous surf conditions.’’

Mr Pritchard said beachgoers could check the website beachsafe.org.au to see which beaches were safe.