Illawarra beaches are open on Thursday morning – just in time for a weekend of hot weather.
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The flags have been down at most of the region’s patrolled beaches each day for the past three days, due to persistent dangerous surf pounding the coastline.
On Thursday, Wollongong City Council lifeguards reported only Austinmer beach was closed due to dangerous conditions.
All other patrolled beaches were open for swimming.
A hazardous surf warning for the region, issued by the Bureau of Meteorology, has now been cancelled. However, the warning remains current for Sydney coastal waters, between Broken Bay and Port Hacking, and further north to the Byron coast.
Warmer weather is on its way to the Illawarra, with a heatwave forecast from Friday.
Temperatures in low 30s expected over coming days, peaking on Saturday.
A top of 26 degrees is expected in Wollongong on Thursday, with inland areas around Albion Park tipped to reach 29 degrees.
The Bureau of Meteorology recommends sun protection between 8.40am and 5.20 pm, with the UV Index predicted to reach 14 [Extreme].
The fire danger rating for the Illawarra/Shoalhaven on Thursday is severe.
NSW Police has asked resident to monitor weather reports and heath advice as the hot weather grips the state.
“As the weather heats up, motorists are also reminded it’s not only an offence for children or pets to be left unattended in a vehicle, it can be deadly,” a police statement said.
“It can be just as dangerous to leave the elderly and disabled members of the community in cars during days of extreme heat.
“Everyone needs to take care in hot weather, but some people are at higher risk of heat illness, especially if they are older, live alone or are socially-isolated.”
Tourists, campers and holidaymakers in unfamiliar environments have been urged to take extra care, particularly when swimming.
The warning comes after five children and two women were rescued from the water at Burrill Lake on Wednesday.
A 43-year-old holidaymaker has been praised for the rescue after he jumped into the water without hesitation to retrieve the children, aged six to 13, and their mothers just after 3pm.
HOT WEATHER TIPS
- Stay well-hydrated
- Avoid alcohol and hot or sugary drinks
- Limit your physical activity
- Try to stay out of the sun during the hottest part of the day
- Wear light, loose-fitting clothing made from natural fibres like cotton
- Regularly check your forecasts from the Bureau of Meteorology on radio, TV, internet or app
- Get advice from your doctor about whether your medication and/or your medical conditions may affect what you should do if it gets extremely hot
- Make sure you know who you are going to call (who may need help, and who could provide help to you if needed); make a list of telephone numbers and make sure they are current.
Andrew Pearson
Andrew grew up in the western Riverina town of Hay and has strong ties to the region. He is a former DA journo who has a passion for breaking news and has covered everything from council and politics to crime and court.
Andrew grew up in the western Riverina town of Hay and has strong ties to the region. He is a former DA journo who has a passion for breaking news and has covered everything from council and politics to crime and court.
