Hazardous surf conditions have been forecast to continue across the NSW coast from Tuesday 4 and Wednesday 5 June.
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a hazardous surf warning to affect the entire NSW coastline.
"A southerly swell in the range of 4-5 metres will develop on Monday evening, with significant wave heights likely exceeding the damaging surf threshold (> 5 metres) onshore between Ulladulla and Port Stephens from the late Monday and continuing into Tuesday," said Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Jiwon Park.
The expected extra-large south swell combined with very strong winds means most beaches and rock platforms will be extremely treacherous this week. Surf Life Saving NSW CEO Steven Pearce urges the public to take extreme caution if they are visiting the coast.
"With only 12 beaches patrolled in NSW at this time of year, it's crucial for anyone visiting the coast to consider the risks associated with these conditions before putting themselves, their family and our lifeguards in danger.
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)
"If there are no 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 Pearce.
SLSNSW recommends the public visit beachsafe.org.au or download the Beachsafe App, to find patrolled locations and current beach conditions across the state before heading to the beach.
Since 1 July 2018, 37 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
Monday 3 June 2019