10:07am: A search for a possible missing surfer at Warilla Beach has been called off on Tuesday morning.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
A witness has notified the police on scene that the male surfer may have walked out of the surf further up the beach.
Water police and Kiama Surf Rescue had also been part of the search after a call was made to triple zero just before 9am.
"We've made an assessment and we need to consider the safety of our rescuers," said an officer from Lake Illawarra Police District.
"At this stage I can advise excellent clarity from the overhead chopper indicates that no-one at this stage has been sighted [in the water]."
He urged surfers to use more "common sense" and not go out in the severe conditions.
Earlier: A search is under way at Warilla Beach after reports a surfer was swept under and did not resurface.
A NSW Police spokeswoman said a call was made to triple zero around 8:53am on Tuesday, with reports a surfer was seen paddling out before being dumped by a rough wave but did not resurface.
Currently police and paramedics are on scene on standby while the Toll rescue helicopter is also responding.
Significant wave heights in excess of five metres are lashing the coast, with people told to stay well away from exposed areas. South facing beaches will be the most affected.
"Keep a safe distance away from exposed beaches and to stay off rock shelves due to hazardous swell and waves conditions," said Surf lifesaving Illawarra's Anthony Turner.
"Our best advice is to stay out of the water due to hazardous weather and swell conditions.
"Today's conditions remain hazardous for boating, rock fishing and swimming."