NSW beaches from the Hunter down to the South Coast 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.
Forecast conditions over the next few days have Surf Life Saving NSW on high alert, with huge swell and surf set to hit from Friday. Damaging winds are also predicted along with possible wave heights of 5+ metres.
Lifesavers are advising people to avoid the ocean due to extremely hazardous conditions and potential coastal erosion and inundation. This could pose a significant risk to sites prone to coastal erosion such as Wamberal and North Entrance on the Central Coast and Stockton near Newcastle.
Surf Life Saving NSW CEO said the southerly swell forecast over coming days means it is possible that wave heights impacting south facing beaches in particular could reach record levels.
“The predictions we’re looking at could mean extremely large, very powerful waves will hit us and we are concerned about a number of our surf life saving clubs in vulnerable locations,” said Steve Pearce.
“Please understand your own limitations and if the beach is closed due to dangerous conditions, do not enter the water.”
Rescue crews, volunteer lifesavers and emergency callout teams may also be affected if the conditions are as bad as forecast.
“We are preparing for tough conditions in the surf that will no doubt impact our lifesavers’ capacity to launch rescue craft quickly if they need to respond to an incident. Please don’t put our people in harm’s way.”
Even after wave heights peak on Saturday, deceptively powerful swell will remain hazardous for Sunday. Dangerous rip currents will be a feature along much of the coast.
