The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a Hazardous Surf Warning and a Marine Wind Warning for much of the NSW coast.
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The hazardous weather conditions are forecast to impact progressively up the NSW coast from late today, Monday, through to at least Wednesday 15 July.
Conditions are expected to 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 during this extreme weather event , people were urged to stay away from the coastline and not to engage in risky coastal activities.
"If people put themselves in danger in these extreme conditions, there's a real possibility that lifesavers will not be able to save them," Mr Wiseman said.
"The forecast low pressure system will produce high winds, damaging surf with significant wave height and substantial rainfall. It will create extremely dangerous conditions for swimmers, surfers, rock fishers and boaters."
With sea swells up to four metres forecast, heavy rain and damaging winds in some locations, there is a chance of coastal inundation, erosion and flooding in low-lying areas.
Surf Life Saving NSW has emergency call-out teams, Duty Officers and surf rescue assets on standby.
In addition to strong wind and high sea swell, the Bureau of Meteorology has also forecast significant rainfall which may impact water quality at many NSW beaches.
Visit beachsafe.org.au or download the Beachsafe App, to find patrolled locations and up-to-date beach conditions.
Since 1 July 2020, five people have drowned on the NSW coastline. During the 2019/20 season, 42 people drowned on the NSW coastline - two above the 10-year average.
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 (000) - Police.