With hazardous weather conditions impacting the NSW coastline today and forecast to continue into tomorrow, surf lifesavers are urging the public to exercise caution when visiting the coastline. ​


The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a Hazardous Surf Warning and a Marine Wind Warning for the NSW coastline from the Macquarie Coast to the Eden Coast. The hazardous weather conditions are forecast for today, Monday 26 October and tomorrow, Tuesday 27 October.



With large and powerful sea swells of up to three and a half metres and strong winds forecast, conditions will be hazardous for coastal activities such as rock fishing, boating, surfing 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.



Joel Wiseman, SLSNSW Director of Lifesaving, said that conditions along the NSW coast are very dangerous today. He urged the public to exercise extreme caution if they are visiting the coastline.



“Surf conditions from the Macquarie Coast down to the Eden Coast are extreme today and these hazardous conditions will continue into tomorrow. We strongly recommend members of the public not to engage in risky coastal activities such as rock fishing over the next two days. If people put themselves in danger in these conditions, it could be very challenging for our surf lifesavers to rescue them,” said Joel Wiseman.



Surf Life Saving NSW is a gazetted emergency service organisation and has call-out teams, Duty Officers and surf rescue assets on standby to respond to coastal emergencies. The Sydney-based Surf Rescue 30 offshore rescue boat and the Surf Rescue 50 jetboat, based in Kiama, will be on standby to respond to critical coastal incidents.



The newly opened SLSNSW State Operations Centre in Sydney is on standby 365 days a year to respond to coastal emergencies and coordinates multi-agency emergency asset tasking. The State Operations Centre is operational between 7am and 7pm throughout the week – with support services extended as required. Surf Rescue emergency call-out teams will remain on high alert over the next two days.



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



Since 1 July 2020, 11 people have drowned on the NSW coastline. During the 2019/20 season, 49 people drowned on the NSW coastline – nine above the 10-year average.



Hazardous Surf Conditions Safety Tips




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

  • Only swim at patrolled beaches, between the red and 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 (000) – Police.



 



Monday 26 October 2020