Beaches across the Mid North Coast have closed due to a powerful swell making hazardous conditions for beach goers.
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A powerful swell, peaking at more than 3.5 metres is expected to continue to build throughout Monday, January 15, with the Hunter through to the Far North Coast to bear the brunt of the conditions particularly on the incoming tide.
Similar conditions have been forecast for Tuesday, January 16 with the entire coastline from Eden through to the NSW-Queensland border likely to experience the challenging swell.
Port Macquarie head lifeguard James Turnham said that as a precaution Lighthouse, Lake Cathie, Bonny Hills and North Haven beaches have been closed until further notice.
“Overnight a hazardous swell warning was issued and when lifeguards turned up at work this morning the conditions were too treacherous to put the flags out and as a result the beaches will remained closed.
“At this stage Flynns and Town Beach are still open and lifeguards are keeping a close eye on the conditions,” Mr Turnham said.
Mr Turnham also said that only experienced surfers should venture into the water and even those who wish to go walking on the beach need to be careful with powerful surges expected today and tomorrow.
“At this stage we are expecting the conditions to get worse later today and tomorrow.
“People walking on the beach also need to be careful as we are anticipating powerful surges which can take those who are walking along the sand by surprise,” he said.
NSW lifesaving manager Matt du Plessis also said he is urging the public to be aware of the conditions and to only swim at patrolled locations.
“Unfortunately we have seen a number of tragic incidents at our beaches during the festive season and with the warmer weather the beach is still just as inviting ever.
“Please take note of the safety warnings and if you have any doubt whatsoever about your ability to handle the water it’s better not to go in,” Matt du Plessis said.
Lifesavers are using this opportunity to reiterate key safety messages which includes swim between the flags and to know your own swimming abilities.
“The red and yellow flags are there for a reason and we urge you to make that effort to swim there.
“We’ve had several instances of people being pulled from rips over summer so please take those few extra seconds to evaluate the conditions and to talk to the lifesaver or lifeguard on duty,” he said.
