1.45pm: Warilla beach and Surf beach at Kiama have been closed during to dangerous conditions.
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11am: Beachgoers have been warned to take care along the Illawarra coast on Saturday, with deceptively powerful surf forecast.
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a dangerous surf warning for the entire NSW coast this weekend.
“Deceptively powerful surf conditions are expected to be hazardous for coastal activities such as rock fishing and swimming,” the bureau said.
Swells between 2 to 2.5 metres from the south-east are expected throughout the weekend, impacting south and open facing beaches and rock platforms, Surf Life Saving NSW says.
A swell period of up to 10 seconds has also been forecast.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service has advised people not visit the Figure 8 Pools, in the Royal National Park, saying they are “very dangerous”.
People were injured in wild conditions on two separate occasions last month.
A large wave swept over the rock pools, washing one woman into the water and injuring at least two others on January 9.
On January 24, four people – including a woman with injuries to her back, face, arm and leg – had to be airlifted to safety after a large wave crashed over tourists at the pools.
NO ILLAWARRA BEACHES CLOSED
Beachwatch NSW says no patrolled Illawarra beaches are closed.
Conditions are expected to ease in the southern part of the state by Saturday evening.
NSW Lifesaving Manager Andy Kent urged the public to take the warnings seriously, following a spike in the number of coastal drownings throughout January.
“Unfortunately, we have seen a number of coastal drownings over the summer holidays, and we are asking people to remain cautious while conditions are hazardous,” Mr Kent said.
“We strongly urge everyone to take the time to assess the conditions before heading out.
“Our volunteer lifesavers will be out on patrol throughout the state, so please help them by swimming between the red and yellow flags.”
SATURDAY FORECAST
Wollongong: Partly cloudy. Medium chance of showers, mainly in the morning. Max: 24 degrees.
Albion Park: Partly cloudy. Medium chance of showers, mainly in the morning. Max: 24.
Kiama: Cloudy. Slight chance of a shower, mainly in the morning Max: 23.
Nowra: Cloudy. Slight chance of a shower, mainly in the morning. Max: 24.
SUNDAY FORECAST
Wollongong: Partly cloudy. Light winds. Max: 25.
Albion Park: Partly cloudy. Medium chance of showers, mainly in the morning. Max: 27.
Kiama: Partly cloudy. Light winds. Max: 25.
Nowra: Partly cloudy. Light winds. Max: 27.
