Strong conditions forecast for the NSW coastline have prompted surf lifesavers and the Bureau of Meteorology to issue a warning for all beachgoers and rock fishers to exercise caution when entering the water for the remainder of this week.
A low pressure system developing over the Tasman Sea will result in potentially dangerous surf conditions along the New South Wales coast over the next few days. The main swell direction is predicted to be from the south with a period of 10-12 seconds.
Swells of between 3-5 metres will hit the southern parts of NSW throughout Wednesday afternoon and continue to travel up the coast throughout the remainder of the week.
This will peak in the Illawarra to Hunter regions by Thursday and move up to the Mid North Coast Friday morning before moving offshore.
South facing beaches are likely to encounter the worst of the conditions as the swell travels up the coast with beach closures to be determined on a case by case basis by lifeguard services.
The warning is timely particularly given surf lifesavers have lowered the flags for the 2016/17 season.
NSW Operations Manager Andy Kent has urged the public to take the warnings seriously.
“We’ve unfortunately had a number of drownings in the last few weeks and this highlights the need for people visiting our coastline to exercise extreme caution at all times. The best advice we can give people is to be aware of their environment and always pay attention to the conditions,” Mr Kent said.
“South facing beaches and exposed headlands will experience the worst of the conditions with rock fishers advised to reconsider their plans for a few days.”
With the 2016/17 volunteer patrol season ending yesterday, Mr Kent says despite this, surf lifesavers and callout teams are on standby to respond to emergency situations.
“Our lifesavers did an outstanding job on the beach this season with over 4000 rescues since July 2016. From now until patrols begin on 23 September 2017, we have over 100 volunteer Duty Officers across the state who are ready to respond if required,” Mr Kent concluded.
General Safety Tips During Dangerous Surf Conditions:
- Avoid rock fishing and water activities on exposed beaches/rock-shelves
- Only swim at patrolled beaches, between the red & yellow flags. Seewww.beachsafe.org.au 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
Useful Links:
BeachSafe Website - www.beachsafe.org.au
Bureau of Meteorology - www.bom.gov.au/nsw
Marine Rescue NSW - www.marinerescuensw.com.au/boating-safety
Recreational Fishing Alliance of NSW fishing safety officer Malcolm Poole said always tell someone where you are going and when you plan on coming back. If the rock platform is wet ask yourself 'why is it wet?' then watch the ocean for waves and swells for at least 20 minutes.
Always fish with a friend, wear proper rockfishing footwear, light warm high visibility clothing, and wear a life jacket in case you get washed in, he said.
Stay safe, always watch the local conditions before fishing and never turn your back on the ocean.
Also check out the links and safety advice on BOM's dedicated rock-fishing weather page here
Whenever you fish:
- choose a safe spot
- don't fish alone
- wear non-slip shoes
- wear a life jacket
- never turn your back on the sea.
