Debbie cancels surf lifesaving events

Poor water conditions due to the after-effects of ex-tropical cyclone Debbie has forced events to be abandoned at the Australian Surf Lifesaving championships.

Organisers of the Australian Surf Lifesaving Championships on the Gold Coast have cancelled the water-based sports of the event due to poor conditions.

Stormwater runoff has forced the closure of Gold Coast beaches and organisers confirmed late on Friday water quality wouldn't be good enough for competition events to be held.

"We appreciate this is disappointing," carnival committee chair Mike Martin said.

"But the safety and welfare of our competitors is first and foremost when making decisions of cancelling or postponing competition."

In 2010, teenage Sydney lifesaver Saxon Bird died after being swept away during an under-19 event at the championships and organisers were criticised at the time for continuing with the event.

Friday's decision means the only championships events to continue over the weekend will be First Aid, Rescue and Resuscitation (dry run only), beach events and Sunday's march past.