The Easter long weekend has begun with a sunny day and hazardous surf in the Illawarra.
“All 17 patrolled beaches in the Wollongong Local Government Area are currently closed due to dangerous surf conditions," a Wollongong City Council spokesperson said today.
"These conditions will be monitored across the long weekend, and we ask people to follow the advice of Lifeguards and NSW Surf Live Saving Volunteers when at the beach, visiting our rock pools or walking near surf-exposed areas.
"Rock fishers should also closely monitor the conditions, avoid coastal rock platforms exposed to the ocean and wear a lifejacket.’’
Waves predicted to build
On Wednesday, in its Easter weekend forecast, the Bureau of Meteorology predicted that a deep low pressure system in the Tasman Sea would also generate large and powerful surf and swell across the New South Wales coast.
"This low pressure system is very powerful, although it’s a long way offshore," Senior Meteorologist Angus Hines said. "This low will not impact our weather directly but will generate some very large, powerful waves for eastern Australia.
“These waves will build on Thursday and stay high until Saturday. Coastal hazard and hazardous surf warnings are likely to be issued. Given the fine and hot forecast for the east coast during Friday and Saturday, the community needs to be aware of the dangerous coastal conditions."
Warning for boaters
Ahead of the long weekend, Transport for NSW Maritime was advising boaters to enact their Plan B and stick to protected waters.
NSW Maritime Executive Director Mark Hutchings said all waterway users should check conditions before they go out onto the water and stay aware of changes and warnings as a low-pressure system makes its way along the NSW coast.
“A tropical cyclone has formed off the east coast of Lord Howe Island, and the low-pressure system is causing an easterly swell which will cause significant impacts and hazardous surf conditions along the NSW Coast
“We’ll start to see impacts from the low this [Thursday] afternoon, continuing through to Sunday, including large and powerful surf conditions.
“During this time, we urge boaters to avoid coastal bar crossings and taking unnecessary risks … Have a plan B, opt for inland or protected waterways."
Crews on call
The not-for-profit organisation Marine Rescue NSW – which had its busiest Easter ever last year, completing 163 search and rescue missions – has more than 3500 volunteers ready to respond to boaters and paddlers in need on the state's waterways.
“From the Tweed, right along the east coast to Eden, and inland on the Alpine Lakes and Murray River at Moama, our volunteers are prepared to be deployed at any time of the day or night this Easter period,” said Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell.
"Check your engine, make sure your battery is charged, carry plenty of clean fuel, and ensure you have the correct safety equipment on board — including lifejackets.
“Boaters and paddlers should also download the free Marine Rescue NSW app so they can Log On with our dedicated volunteers, who will keep watch for their safe return. Logging On can also be done via VHF channel 16.
"Hit the water with caution, return with confidence.”
Keep up to date with the latest weather warnings at www.bom.gov.au