Canberrans travelling to the coast better hold onto their hats as hazardous weather conditions are predicted to impact the NSW coastline today and tomorrow.
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.
Large swells, strong winds and hazardous conditions are forecast for today, Tuesday 19, and tomorrow, Wednesday 20 January, impacting coastal activities such as rock fishing, boating, surfing, and swimming.
Since 1 July 2020, 20 people have drowned on the NSW coastline.
Steven Pearce, CEO Surf Life Saving NSW, urges the public to take extreme caution if they are visiting the coast.
“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,” Mr Pearce said.
With sea swells of up to three metres and strong winds forecast, there is a threat of possible beach and coastal erosion. Rock fishers should avoid coastal rock platforms exposed to the ocean and seek a location that is sheltered from the surf. People should consider staying out of the water and avoid near surf-exposed areas.
The new Surf Life Saving NSW State Operations Centre will be operational between 7am and 7pm throughout the week with Surf Rescue emergency call-out teams on high alert. The emergency service organisation 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 also on standby to respond to critical coastal incidents.
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.
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