Surf Life Saving NSW and Roads and Maritime Services issued a warning to recreational boaters, rock fisherman, swimmers and surfers to take care, with dangerous surf conditions predicted along the entire NSW coast on Wednesday, September 23.

The BoM issued a warning of significant wave heights of three to four metres expected to develop on Tuesday.

They are the result of a cold front bringing a strong southerly change to the NSW coast before a southerly swell follows on Wednesday.

The southerly swell is expected to peak at around 3.5 metres on Tuesday afternoon with beaches around the Sydney area likely to be among the first affected.

Conditions have been forecast to strengthen later Tuesday evening with the powerful waves expected to impact the coastline from the Far South Coast through to the Queensland border throughout Wednesday.

A peak swell of around four metres is anticipated for some areas with conditions likely to remain fairly strong throughout the remainder of the week.

Rock fisherman and those taking coastal walks in close proximity to the water’s edge are advised that the swell period – the period it takes for a cycle of waves - could be as high as 12 seconds.

Skippers should be on high alert and check the conditions before considering crossing a coastal bar or heading offshore and be aware wave heights offshore may be larger.

Strong winds can also cause dangerous conditions for vessels on moorings.

Every skipper is responsible for the safety of their vessel and all on board.

Volunteer surf lifesavers across the state resumed patrolling duties for the first time this season last Saturday, and will again be out in force this weekend.

“It’s an exciting time of year for our volunteers who have returned to their beach refreshed and ready to begin their patrols,” NSW lifesaving manager Andy Kent said.

“The warm start to spring combined with the school holidays has encouraged people to head to the beach, and we are anticipating a busy start to the new season.

"We would like to encourage everyone to swim between the flags at a patrolled beach and take the time to assess the conditions before heading out.

“Our aim is for everyone to enjoy their day at the beach safely, and these simple tips are important especially as people who are holidaying are visiting a beach they may visit only a couple of times of year,” Mr Kent said.

Lifeguards across a number of council areas will also be on-duty these school holidays, please visit the BeachSafe Website for a full list of patrolled beaches and up-to-date information on conditions.

Roads and Maritime advised skippers to: check the official weather forecast before and during boating; ensure the boat and its equipment is suitable for the conditions; log on/off with a Marine Rescue NSW marine radio base for every trip offshore; and wear a lifejacket.

USEFUL LINKS

If witnessing an in-water emergency dial Triple Zero – Police.