With hazardous weather conditions forecast to impact the NSW coastline from today, 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 coast from the Eden Coast to the Coffs Coast. The hazardous weather conditions are forecast for today, Tuesday 19, and tomorrow, Wednesday 20 January.



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, Director of Lifesaving at Surf Life Saving NSW, said that conditions along the NSW coast will become hazardous today and tomorrow and urges the public to take extreme caution if they are visiting the coast.



“A low-pressure system is making its way north up the NSW coastline and is producing high winds and large surf. It’s creating hazardous conditions for swimmers, surfers, rock fishers and boaters,” said Joel Wiseman.



“We are urging members of the public not to engage in coastal activities that might put them at risk as surf conditions intensify. Please only swim at a patrolled location and if beaches are closed and the flags are down, don’t take the risk,” he said.



With sea swells of up to three metres (6-8ft) and strong winds being forecast, there is a threat of possible beach and coastal erosion. Tides will be moderate through the week, with modest highs during the late afternoon of 1.4 – 1.6 mts range.



As a gazetted emergency service organisation, Surf Life Saving NSW has call-out teams, Duty Officers and surf rescue assets on standby. The Sydney-based Surf Rescue 30 offshore rescue boat and Surf Rescue 40 and Surf Rescue 50 jetboats, based in Ballina and Kiama, are on standby to respond to critical coastal incidents.



The new SLSNSW State Operations Centre will be operational between 7am and 7pm throughout the week with Surf Rescue emergency call-out teams on high alert. Support services will be extended as required.



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



Since 1 July 2020, 20 people have drowned on the NSW coastline. During the 2019/20 season, 49 people drowned on the NSW coastline. More information is available in the 2020 NSW Coastal Safety Report.



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.


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