UPDATED: Hazardous surf warning for NSW coastal waters

07 March 2021 | Media Release

NEW UPDATE 9.13am, Sunday 7 March

Bronte and Tamarama beaches are closed all day today due to hazardous surf conditions.

Bondi Beach should remain open.

Bronte Pool is currently open but may be closed at high tide later today (around 4.45pm).

The Bureau of Meteorology's next update will be issued at 5pm EST today, Sunday 7 March.

UPDATED 6.53am, Sunday 7 March

The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has extended its hazardous surf warning for Sydney, Illawarra, Batemans, Eden, Byron, Coffs Coast, Macquarie and Hunter coasts until midnight tomorrow, Monday 8 March.

Surf and swell conditions in these areas remain hazardous for coastal activities such as swimming, rock fishing and boating.

Beaches and ocean pools may be closed if conditions become too dangerous.

Further updates for Waverley's beaches to come.

The BOM's next update will be issued at 5pm EST today, Sunday 7 March.

5 March 2021 UPDATE:

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 Lifeguards are urging people to stay safe this weekend with a hazardous surf warning in place for much of the state’s coastline until at least midnight tomorrow.

Surf and swell conditions along the Sydney, Illawarra, Batemans, Eden, Macquarie and Hunter coasts are expected to be hazardous for coastal activities such swimming, rock fishing and boating, the Bureau of Meteorology warns.

Bruce Hopkins, Lifeguard Coordinator (pictured- below) said swells of around three metres are expected to impact Bondi, Bronte and Tamarama beaches for the duration of the weekend.

“Our advice is to always check the conditions before visiting our beaches and follow the instructions of lifeguards at all times,” Mr Hopkins said.

“The temperature’s forecast to be around 22 degrees tomorrow and 24 degrees on Sunday, so we encourage people to have a nice day out but stay safe.

“Lifeguards continually monitor conditions at our beaches, and sometimes we need to close beaches and ocean pools if conditions become dangerous or limit the area for swimming between the flags.

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

Hazardous surf near Tamarama. Picture: Waverley Council.

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 Bureau's next hazardous surf warning update will be at 5pm today at: http://www.bom.gov.au/nsw/warnings/hazardoussurf.shtml