Surf Life Saving New South Wales, Media Release, 25 May 2026

NSW beaches continue to be far too dangerous for coastal activities, with lifesavers issuing a warning to rock fishers, swimmers and boaters to stay away from the coastline.

The entire NSW coastline, from the Byron Coast in the north to the Eden Coast in the south, is currently experiencing large surf, with conditions set to remain hazardous for at least the next two days.

Much of the coastline has been battered by the ocean over the weekend, with the Bureau of Meteorology putting a Hazardous Surf Warning in place. 

Currently that warning remains for the entire state today (Monday 25 May), with conditions in the south of the state expected to ease into tomorrow (Tuesday 26 May) where the warning will remain in place only for the Hunter and north to the Queensland border.

Since 1 July 2025 in NSW, there has been 55 coastal drownings in NSW. 10 have been rock fishers or rock platform related incidents, where people have been swept off rocks.

“Even in what profiles as our off-season, these hazardous surf events are something our lifesavers are always prepared for,” SLSNSW Director of Lifesaving, Glen Dunkley said.

“The conditions are not isolated, the entire NSW coastline is expected to be hazardous for swimming, boating and rock platform-related activities over the coming days.

“We really want to stress this message to rock fishers in particular as the cooler months are when we see a large number of rock fishers visiting our coastline.”

As the volunteer lifesaving patrol season finished at the end of April, and only some NSW locations are patrolled by Australian Lifeguard Service lifeguards over winter, the message is clear – if a beach is closed or the conditions appear treacherous, stay out of the water.

However, volunteer surf club call out teams are on standby to respond to incidents.

Rock fishing safety tips

• Always wear a lifejacket and non-slip footwear
• Check tides, swell and weather conditions
• Fish with a friend – never fish alone
• Carry a mobile phone and let someone know where you’re planning to go and when you plan to be back
• Never turn your back to the sea 
• Always spend time watching the conditions before fishing, and constantly scan for changing conditions
• Do NOT jump in if someone is washed into the water
• If you are swept into the water don’t panic. Stay calm and swim away from the rocks
• If witnessing an in-water emergency dial Triple Zero (000) – Police
• See www.beachsafe.org.au for patrolled locations/times and rock fishing safety information