• Last year 55 people drowned on the NSW coastline.
• This summer, 19 people have drowned on our coastline and 31 coastal drownings have been recorded since July 1 2022
• Rock fishing deaths last year were more than 30% higher than the year before (11, up from eight)
• The Hazardous Surf Warning for the Hunter to the Far North Coast is predicted to be worst on Sunday 12 February

With hazardous weather conditions forecast to impact parts of northern NSW over the coming days, Surf Life Saving NSW is urging the public to exercise caution when visiting the coastline.

The Bureau of Meteorology is predicting that hazardous surf conditions are likely along the northern half of the coast from Sunday, extending from the Hunter region up to the Queensland boarder.

As Tropical Cyclone Gabrielle continues to move in a south-easterly direction, remaining well offshore and dissipating over the coming days, the effects are expected to be felt along the coastline with 3-3.5 metre waves and strong winds, ramping up Saturday and peaking late Sunday.

Coupled with anticipated hot weather across NSW, conditions will be hazardous for coastal activities such as rock fishing, boating, surfing and swimming. People should consider staying out of the water. Rock fishers should avoid coastal rock platforms exposed to the ocean.

SLSNSW Director of Lifesaving Joel Wiseman is urging the public to exercise caution if they are visiting the coast.

“These conditions have the potential to cause high winds which can be dangerous for rock fishing, boating, surfing and swimming,” he said.

“Our resources are actively patrolling and Support Operations Teams from the Hunter to the Far North Coast are in operation, but if you take are planning on taking a risk, we strongly urge you to check BeachSafe and understand your limitations.”

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.