Wild Surf expected on northern beaches coastline today

Despite the warmer weather, rescue services are warning people to take care along the northern beaches coastline today with dangerous surf conditions forecast.

Despite a glut of recent drownings, rock fishermen along the Newcastle coastline continue to risk their lives. Picture by Peter Lorimer.

Despite the warmer weather, rescue services are warning people to take care along the northern beaches coastline today with dangerous surf conditions forecast.

Offshore swells are expected to peak at 3m today and result in large sets of waves that could be up to 20 minutes apart – which could create a false sense of security for inexperienced rock fishermen, swimmers, boaties and surfers.

Wild surf expected along northern beaches coastline.

Bureau of Meteorology spokesman David Barlow said the rough conditions being forecast were due to a pressure system building up south of the continent.

“There will be large and powerful surf conditions,” Mr Barlow said.

“It’s due to a low pressure system south of Tasmania, in the Southern Ocean, directing that swell towards the NSW coast.”

Surf Life Saving NSW lifesaving manager Andy Kent reminded beachgoers to swim at patrolled beaches – particularly due to the rough conditions forecast.

“With the onset of these dangerous conditions we strongly encourage swimmers to follow all safety warnings,” Mr Kent said.

“Avoid entering the water unless there is an active patrol on duty, which will be signified by the red and yellow flags.

Wild surf expected along northern beaches coastline.

“With a strong southerly swell direction and a long swell period, beach conditions will likely vary significantly from beach to beach and it is important to know your local conditions and avoid taking risks while the surf is dangerous.”

People are also reminded by SLS NSW to avoid rock fishing on exposed beaches and rock shelves.

Marine Rescue NSW said skippers must ensure everyone on board is wearing a lifejacket at all times.

MRNSW commissioner Stacey Tannos encouraged boaters to ensure they had carried out basic maintenance checks on their boats and equipment but stressed that wearing a lifejacket was the simplest safety measure to help protect lives in a boating emergency.

“Many accidents and mishaps are not foreseeable and conditions can change rapidly on the water,” she said.

“It’s not worth risking your life.”

Surf conditions were expected to ease overnight.

Go to beachsafe.org.au for patrolled locations and times and rock fishing safety information.