Wild weather closes surf lifesaving event

Organisers of the Australian Surf Lifesaving Championships on the Gold Coast have suspended competition until further notice due to Queensland's wild weather.

The decision was made early on Thursday morning as the region prepares for up to 300mm of rainfall from ex-tropical cyclone Debbie.

In 2010 teenage Sydney lifesaver Saxon Bird died after being swept away during an under-19 event at the championships.

Organisers were criticised at the time for continuing with the event despite warnings of dangerous conditions whipped up by cyclone Ului.

In 1996 another surf lifesaver, Robert Gatenby, 15, died at Kurrawa Beach when cyclone Beti was offshore.