Hazardous surf conditions are forecast for the NSW coastline from Saturday 10 August and throughout the weekend.


The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a hazardous surf warning which may affect the Coffs Coast through to the Eden Coast. The large swell conditions are forecast to continue until Sunday 11 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 high wind and large surf conditions mean 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.



"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. During winter, only 12 beaches are patrolled in NSW.” said Steve Pearce.



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



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



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)



Visit beachsafe.org.au or download the Beachsafe App, to find patrolled locations and up-to-date beach conditions.



Since 1 July 2018, 44 people have 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 dial Triple Zero – Police



 



Saturday 10 August