Surf Life Saving NSW media release: Wednesday 7 December 2022
Key Messages:
- Last year 55 people drowned on the NSW coastline
- Rock fishing deaths last year were more than 30% higher than the year before (11, up from eight)
- The Hazardous Surf Warning for the Illawarra, Batemans Coast and Eden Coast is predicted to be worst on Friday, 9 December
Surf and swell conditions are set to be hazardous over the coming days, with Surf Life Saving NSW issuing a particular warning to those intending to go rockfishing, boating or swimming.
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a Hazardous Surf Warning for the south of the state from tomorrow (Thursday 8 December) with the warning extending from beaches in the Illawarra down through the Bateman and Eden Coast to the Victorian border.
Swells of more than 4.5m are predicted to peak on Thursday night with Friday the biggest day. Southerly ends and northerly angled breaks will be protected, but winds of up to 25 knots are expected to cause havoc.
These conditions will reduce steadily into the weekend.
The message from SLSNSW Director of Lifesaving, Joel Wiseman is clear – take care if visiting the coastline.
"Given the conditions being predicted I would strongly urge people to understand their limitations and avoid taking unnecessary risks in the water over the coming days," he said.
"Big swell can hamper our efforts to respond to people in distress, so it's important that potential beachgoers from the Illawarra south consider their options and avoid putting our volunteers in harms way.
"I would encourage you to check BeachSafe if you do decide to take to the water."
Club call-out teams, Duty Officers and surf rescue assets are on standby, as always, to respond to critical coastal incidents.
HAZARDOUS SURF CONDITIONS SAFETY TIPS
- Avoid rock fishing and water activities on exposed beaches/rock-shelves
- Only swim at patrolled beaches, between the red and 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.
