Hazardous surf conditions prompts safety warning for Waverley’s beaches 

26 October 2020

26 October 2020

If you witness an in-water emergency, please inform our Council Lifeguards, or if it is after hours, dial Triple Zero (000) and ask for the Police. Our current lifeguard patrols hours are 6am to 7pm at Waverley’s three beaches. 

Waverley Council’s Lifeguards are urging people to stay safe this week after the Bureau of Meterology this morning issued a Hazardous Surf Warning for the Sydney coast.

Surf and swell conditions are expected to be hazardous for coastal activities such as rock fishing, boating, and swimming until at least midnight tomorrow, Tuesday 27 October.

Bruce Hopkins, Lifeguard Coordinator, said swells of around 3-4 metres and south to south-easterly winds of up to 35 knots are impacting Sydney’s beaches including Bondi, Bronte and Tamarama, which are currently closed for swimming and will likely remain closed all day.

“Our advice is to always check the conditions before visiting our beaches and if conditions are hazardous like they are today, please stay at home,” Mr Hopkins said.

“Our lifeguards continually monitor conditions at our beaches and beaches are closed for swimming if conditions are too dangerous. Bronte Pool is also currently closed, due to the dangerous conditions. We ask that no-one enters our ocean pools if they are closed.

“For surfers, we ask that they know their limits, and if you are unsure about the conditions, please speak to our lifeguards.”

NSW Police Force, Marine Area Command advise that:

  • People should consider staying out of the water and avoid walking near surf-exposed areas
  • Rock fishers should avoid coastal rock platforms exposed to the ocean and seek a safe location that is sheltered from the surf
  • Boaters planning to cross shallow water and ocean bars should consider changing or delaying their voyage
  • Boaters already on the water should carry the appropriate safety equipment and wear a lifejacket
  • Boaters should remember to log on with their local Marine Rescue radio base, via VHF Radio or the Marine Rescue APP, and consider their safety management plan.

The BOM will issue its next warning by 5pm EDT today.

For more, check the Coastal Waters Forecast for information on wind, wave and weather conditions at http://www.bom.gov.au/nsw/ or on marine radio.

-ENDS-

Media inquiries: media@waverley.nsw.gov.au or 0416 075 532