NSW beaches are expected to be far too dangerous for coastal activities over the coming days, with lifesavers issuing a warning to rock fishers, swimmers and boaters to stay away from the coastline.
The Bureau of Meteorology has indicated that a “vigorous coastal low pressure system” is developing off the north coast this evening and is anticipated to travel south towards the Hunter and Central Coast on Tuesday.
Widespread moderate to heavy rain, strong southerly winds and dangerous surf are predicted to come with it, with a Hazardous Surf Warning now in place for the Macquarie Coast right the way down to Batemans tomorrow (Tuesday 1 July 2025).
In addition to this, damaging winds of 90-110 km/h are forecast to develop along the coast between parts of the Hunter, Mid North Coast, and Northern Tablelands on Tuesday and Wednesday, with an outside chance of destructive gusts (125+ km/h) along the coastal fringe.
A Severe Weather Warning for damaging winds has been issued for this system, with volunteer lifesavers and lifeguards fearing for the safety of rock fishers, boaters and swimmers.
Wave heights of 5-7 metres are predicted roughly between Forster and Batemans Bay, posing a significant risk to sites prone to coastal erosion such as Wamberal and North Entrance on the Central Coast.
Since 1 July 2024 in NSW, there has been 53 coastal drownings.
Eight (8) of those have been rock fishers, while a further five (5) are people who have been washed off rock platforms.
Recent reporting suggests that one in five rock fishers does so alone and almost half do not where a life jacket while rock fishing.
In line with data reflected through the most recent National Coastal Safety Report, the vast majority of those who drown while rock fishing are male while almost half are overseas born.
“The wild weather that is being predicted for the coming days is something we are really cautious of and trying to get ahead of,” SLSNSW Deputy President and Chair of Lifesaving, Joel Wiseman said.
“We really want to stress this message to rock fishers in particular as the winter months are when we see a large number of rock fishers visiting our coastline.
“We are just a few weeks away from our rock fishing safety program beginning at Avoca Beach and we do not want that program to begin off the back of more serious rock shelf-related incidents.”
The Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said with significant weather warnings in place, communities should take precautions around coastal areas.
“With strong winds and dangerous surf predicted, we urge rock fishers and beachgoers to avoid putting yourself at risk and to follow the advice of our emergency services,” he said.
As the volunteer lifesaving patrol season finished at the end of April, and only some NSW locations are patrolled by Australian Lifeguard Service lifeguards over winter, the message is clear – if a beach is closed or the conditions appear treacherous, stay out of the water.
Rock Fishing Safety Tips
- Always wear a lifejacket and non-slip footwear
- Check tides, swell and weather conditions
- Fish with a friend – never fish alone
- Carry a mobile phone and let someone know where you’re planning to go and when you plan to be back
- Never turn your back to the sea
- Always spend time watching the conditions before fishing, and constantly scan for changing conditions
- Do NOT jump in if someone is washed into the water
- If you are swept into the water don’t panic. Stay calm and swim away from the rocks
- If witnessing an in-water emergency dial Triple Zero (000) – Police
- See www.beachsafe.org.au for patrolled locations/times and rock fishing safety information
Monday 30 June 2025