Port Stephens SLSA Support Operations Group - Hunter Surf Lifesaving

29/06/2026

27/03/2026

// NSW beaches are set to be extremely hazardous from today, with large swell, damaging winds and waves over 5m expected along the coast. Conditions from the Hunter to the South Coast are unsafe for swimming, rock fishing and boating, with risks of coastal erosion and powerful rip currents.

Even once the swell eases, dangerous conditions will continue into the weekend. If beaches are closed, stay out of the water and do not put yourself or our lifesavers at risk.

Stay safe and stay informed.

For patrolled beach locations and more safety info, visit beachsafe.org.au

23/01/2026

// With hot weather and big crowds expected along the NSW coastline this long weekend, surf lifesavers are urging everyone heading to the beach to put safety first.

When heat, holidays and large numbers of beachgoers combine, the coastal drowning risk increases more than threefold, and it rises again during school holidays. This makes the coming days one of the highest risk periods of the year.

Following several shark incidents this week, drone patrols, rescue crews and volunteer lifesavers will be out in force across the state. Every drowning recorded so far this summer has occurred at an unpatrolled location or outside patrol hours.

• Visit a patrolled beach and only swim between the red and yellow flags
• Supervise children closely
• Avoid remote or unpatrolled spots
• Stay out of the water if you have been drinking
• Check BeachSafe for patrol times and conditions
• Download SharkSmart for drone patrol locations and safety updates

Thank you to our volunteers who will be working across the long weekend to keep beachgoers safe. Enjoy the break and look after each other on the sand and in the surf.

10/01/2026

A massive day across the region for our volunteers from our Rescue Services teams supporting our lifesavers and lifeguards at patrolled beaches with Dusk Patrols, RWC patrols, UAV patrols and Duty Officers. These additional services extend our reach into high risk areas keeping our beaches and coastline safe for everyone to enjoy. Well done everyone!

30/12/2025

With hazardous surf conditions expected over the coming days it’s essential you are prepared with the right knowledge before going to the beach
- only swim at patrolled locations - if we can’t see you we can’t save you.
- talk to the lifesavers and lifeguards
- if you can’t swim do not enter the water
- never swim alone
- if stuck in a rip - float and raise your hand, your friend should call emergency services for help.
- stop, look, survive!!
- always check www.beachsafe.org.au

Hazardous surf conditions may develop along the entire New South Wales coast during Wednesday and continuing into Thursday. A Hazardous Surf Warning has been issued for the Byron, Coffs, Macquarie, Hunter Coast and Sydney Coasts.

The hazardous surf will be driven by a deepening low pressure system over the Tasman Sea, well offshore from the NSW coast. This low is expected to generate long period, deceptively powerful south-easterly swells, directing them towards the east coast of Australia.

This may cause hazardous conditions for coastal activities such as swimming and rock fishing over the New Year period.

Keep up to date with the latest forecasts and warnings at http://bom.gov.au or the BOM Weather app.

28/12/2025

If you thinking of heading out to Fingal Spit remember these safety tips and you must talk to the lifeguards and lifesavers before you head off to ensure it’s safe to do so.

24/12/2025

22/12/2025

We are looking forward to welcoming everyone to our beaches but we really want you to stay safe. Please ensure you listen to the advice of Lifesavers and Lifeguards. Check out beachsafe.org.au for all you need to know!!