NSW Maritime has issued an urgent alert to boat skippers and rock fishermen as large swells are predicted to impact much of the NSW coast in coming days.
NSW Maritime Chief Executive Steve Dunn said the Bureau of Meteorology was forecasting swells reaching 3 metres for many coastal areas through until Sunday.
“Large east south easterly swells are expected to impact much of the coast over the next few days,” Dunn said.
“These conditions should concern anyone boating in coastal areas, particularly where skippers are planning to head out to sea.
“Coastal bar crossings can be treacherous especially on a run out tide, and boat fishing around bommies and near exposed rock platforms should be avoided.
“With the forecast for large swells and people likely to be still on holidays, it is important visiting skippers check conditions with local experts.”
Dunn said large ocean swells likely to exceed 3 metres would translate into extremely dangerous bar and offshore conditions.
“No catch of fish is worth the risk, with one life already tragically lost this year in a bar crossing incident at Ballina,” he said.
“Every skipper is responsible for the safety of their vessel and all on board and they should routinely check official forecasts before boating.”
“Log on with Marine Rescue before every trip offshore, wear a lifejacket because if you’re not wearing it, it can’t save your life, and if in doubt, don’t go out.”
For more information on offshore boating safety go to http://www.maritime.nsw.gov.au/campaigns/offshore.html
For live webcam vision of popular bar crossings go to http://www.maritime.nsw.gov.au/webcams/web-cam.html