Hazardous surf conditions are forecast for the NSW coastline from Friday 2 August and throughout the weekend.


The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a hazardous surf warning which may affect the Macquarie Coast through to the Illawarra Coast. The large swell conditions are forecast to continue until Sunday 4 August.



Conditions are expected to be hazardous for coastal activities such as rock fishing, boating, and swimming. People should consider staying out of the water and avoid walking near surf-exposed areas. Rock fishers should avoid coastal rock platforms exposed to the ocean and seek a safe location that is sheltered from the surf.



The expected extra-large southerly swell, caused by a low-pressure system in the Southern Ocean, means most beaches and rock platforms in particular could be treacherous this weekend. Surf Life Saving NSW CEO Steven Pearce urges the public to take extreme caution if they are visiting the coast.



"Over the winter months, only 12 beaches are patrolled in NSW. It's very important for anyone visiting the coast to consider the risks associated with these conditions before putting themselves, their family and our lifeguards in danger,” said Steve Pearce.



Depending on the conditions, some beaches may be closed due to the large swell tomorrow and across the weekend.



"If lifeguards haven’t put the red and yellow flags up, the beach is not safe for swimming. Because if no one can see you, no one can save you," said Steve Pearce.



Surf Life Saving NSW recommends the public visit beachsafe.org.au or download the Beachsafe App, to find patrolled locations and current beach conditions across NSW before heading to the beach.



Lifeguard Patrolled Beaches in Winter




  • Byron Main Beach (Far North Coast)

  • Park Beach, Coffs Harbour (North Coast)

  • Nobbys (Hunter)

  • Bar Beach / Cooks Hill (Hunter)

  • Merewether (Hunter)

  • Manly (Sydney Northern Beaches)

  • Bondi (Sydney)

  • Bronte (Sydney)

  • Coogee (Sydney)

  • Maroubra (Sydney)

  • Cronulla (Sydney)

  • North Beach (Wollongong).



Since 1 July 2019, one person has drowned on the NSW coastline.



Hazardous Surf Conditions Safety Tips




  • Avoid rock fishing and water activities on exposed beaches/rock-shelves

  • Only swim at patrolled beaches, between the red & yellow flags. See the Beachsafe Website for patrolled locations/times          

  • Check the official Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) forecast before undertaking rock fishing and water activities 

  • Boaties should seek advice from Marine Rescue NSW and always wear a lifejacket 

  • If witnessing an in-water emergency call police on 000 (triple-zero).



 



Thursday 1 August 2019