Warning of dangerous surf conditions as cold front crosses Illawarra

The RMS is advising boaters to check the weather conditions

BOAT owners are advised of dangerous surf conditions as a cold front moves across the Illawarra.

Strong westerly winds are expected to impact the Illawarra until Saturday July 13.

The Bureau of Meteorology forecasts these fronts will produce windy conditions for the second half of the week, particularly in the southeast, and cooler conditions on the weekend with two cold fronts which are expected to move through NSW.

The Road and Maritime Service is reminding boaters to take extra care and be aware of hypothermia during winter months. Boaters need to be aware of:

• Cold conditions on inland waterways, with snow likely on Saturday 13 July around the alpine waterways in the state’s south and central west
• Choppy rough conditions on larger, more exposed bays and inlets
• A marked ‘chill down’ of all inland and sheltered waterways, likely to make water temperatures even colder than normal for this time of year
• High risk of boats dragging or breaking free of moorings, especially in areas exposed to the South West, West or North West
• Dangerously rough conditions a short distance offshore, even where the ocean appears calm against the coast.

While conditions are expected to ease by Sunday, there may be an increase in the ocean swell that day, making south-facing ocean bars a challenge for navigation.

Skippers and owners of small crafts should be on high alert and check the conditions before considering crossing a coastal bar or heading offshore.

Rock fishers should also check weather forecasts before heading out, avoid fishing near dangerous surf and wear a lifejacket.

Every skipper is responsible for the safety of their vessel and all on board. Roads and Maritime Services advises skippers to:

Check the official weather forecast before and during boating and ‘if in doubt, don’t go out’

Ensure the boat and its equipment is suitable for the conditions

Ensure the vessel/mooring is secure due to the strong winds

Log on/off with a Marine Rescue NSW marine radio base for every trip offshore

Wear a lifejacket.

For more information, visit: www.rms.nsw.gov.au/maritime

Offshore boating safety: www.maritime.nsw.gov.au/campaigns/offshore.html
Lifejackets: www.lifejacketwearit.com.au
Official forecast: www.bom.gov.au/nsw
BoM maritime-specific advice: www.bom.gov.au/marine/about/four-vital-checks.shtml