With hazardous weather conditions forecast to impact the NSW coastline this week, Surf Life Saving NSW is urging the public to exercise caution when visiting the coastline.
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a Hazardous Surf Warning following predictions of a low to develop off the NSW coast on Monday night. This is expected to deepen through Tuesday and into Wednesday, bringing strong southerly winds, heavy rain and rising swell through Tuesday, peaking on Wednesday morning.
It is anticipated this will impact the Far South Coast to the Mid North Coast.
Conditions will be hazardous for coastal activities such as rock fishing, boating, surfing and swimming. People should consider staying out of the water. Rock fishers should avoid coastal rock platforms exposed to the ocean.
SLSNSW Director of Lifesaving Joel Wiseman is urging the public to exercise caution if they are visiting the coast.
“These conditions have the potential to cause high winds which can be dangerous for rock fishing, boating, surfing and swimming,” he said.
“With the current COVID environment our resources aren’t committed to actively patrolling until mid-September, so if you take a risk and find yourself in trouble there could be a delay in response in getting emergency services to the scene.
“People are strongly urged to check BeachSafe and understand your limitations if you do decide to take a risk.”
Forecast swell conditions could reach six metres offshore on the central and southern coastline.
Surf Life Saving NSW club call-out teams, Duty Officers and surf rescue assets are on standby to respond to critical coastal incidents, despite it being off-season.
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 23 August 2021