Marine Rescue NSW warns of strong winds and high seas

Marine Rescue NSW has warned boaters to be aware of dangerous conditions along the NSW coast tonight and tomorrow, with high winds likely to continue for the rest of the week.

Deputy Commissioner Heinz Mueller urged recreational boaters to stay off the water until the hazardous conditions abated.  

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a Severe Weather Warning for damaging winds, heavy rain, abnormally high tides and damaging surf for people in the coastal forecast districts of Hunter, Metropolitan, South Coast and Illawarra as well as other districts inland.

Damaging winds with peak gusts around 110 km/h are forecast. This will be made even more dangerous for boats and boating with very heavy surf conditions combined with very high spring tides in the evenings.

“I urge boat owners to postpone any plans for recreational boating activities until these conditions clear,” Deputy Commissioner Mueller said.

“Please don’t risk your safety or that of the emergency crews who will have to go to your rescue should you venture out and find yourself in trouble in these rough seas.

“Conditions like these make a rescue operation far more difficult and risky, reducing the chances that we will be able to find you quickly before you come to greater harm.

“Owners of boats on moorings should check they are secure and keep a watch on them over coming days to ensure they do not become loose, exposing your vessel to risk of damage.”