To cap off an extremely challenging year, 2021 will end with a major contrast of weather and surf conditions across much of Australia's east coast.
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New Year's is a high-risk period for coastal incidents and drownings and Surf Life Saving NSW is reminding people to heed safety warnings around alcohol and swimming or boating, and swimming at unpatrolled locations, where the vast bulk of tragedies occur this time of year.
With warm and sunny weather predicted over the coming days and outdoor, socially distanced activities encouraged in the COVID-19 climate, big crowds are expected o beaches over the weekend.
As capacity limits have once again been enforced on hospitality venues, many planned New Year's Eve and New Year's Day gatherings have been severely impacted, forcing patrons to abandon their plans and create their own.
"The New Year period has always been one of the busiest on our beaches, and with many people having to make significant changes to their plans, we are preparing for large crowds along the coastline," said Surf Life Saving NSW Director of Lifesaving, Joel Wiseman.
The NSW south coast will be in focus for life savers as hot, dry conditions are expected due to a low intensity heatwave developing north from the Victorian border.
"It's the uncertain conditions which presents difficulties for our lifesavers in terms of how to prepare for what might happen," Mr Wiseman said.
"There's pent up desire to get out and enjoy the outdoors after a year of lockdowns and many people are moving around the state and visiting coastal holiday spots that they may not be familiar with. It's a high risk time and we implore everyone to heed surf safety advice and amend their activities to suit the conditions."
BEACH SAFETY TIPS
- Always swim between the red and yellow patrol flags, for your nearest patrolled beach check the BeachSafe app or website
- Read the safety signs for information about the beach and ask a lifesaver or lifeguard for safety information
- Always swim with someone else so you can look out for each other, and always supervise children around the water
- Never swim under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- If you need help in the water, stay calm and attract attention by raising one arm
- In an emergency, dial Triple Zero