Wild weather continues to impact NSW east coast

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a hazardous surf warning for the Sydney, Hunter, Illawarra, Batemans and Eden coasts until at least midnight tomorrow, Wednesday 9 March.

Waverley Council's Manager of Lifeguard Services, Matt du Plessis, said large and powerful surf conditions are expected to be hazardous for coastal activities such as rock fishing, swimming and surfing.

"I implore people to observe these weather warning and always follow instructions from our Lifeguards, including during beach closures," Mr du Plessis said.

"As a general precaution, swimming at ocean beaches should be avoided for up to one day after heavy rainfall or for as long as stormwater is present.

"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."

^{Last week Council closed the Bondi to Bronte coastal walk between Notts Avenue and Tamarama due to the wild surf. Picture: Waverley Council.}

The NSW Police Marine Area Command advises:

• 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.
• Residents are also encouraged to monitor the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage's Beachwatch bulletin for warnings about water pollution: https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/beachmapp/Beaches/SydneyOceanBeaches

Sydney Water also publishes alerts here: https://www.sydneywater.com.au/water-the-environment/what-you-can-do/avoid-wastewater-overflows.html.