Wollongong's beaches, pools and air-conditioned venues will be worth their weight in gold this weekend.
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Heatwave temperatures are set to hit the Illawarra, with tops of 36 and 37 degrees for the Wollongong area on Saturday and Sunday respectively.
The Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting parts of the state to reach 45 degrees over the weekend.
With extreme heat conditions forecast across Wollongong, the city council is extending its lifeguard patrolled beach hours for the weekend to ensure as many people as possible have the chance to swim safely.
Council's professional lifeguards will offer additional supervision on Saturday at beaches and pools and on Sunday will collaborate with Surf Life Saving Illawarra to manage the beaches.
Surf Life Saving NSW director Joel Wiseman said people were already making plans to head to the beach to avoid higher inland temperatures.
"Our strong message to beachgoers as we head into the weekend is to plan ahead and pick a beach that is patrolled by volunteer surf lifesavers or lifeguards and to always swim between the red and yellow flags," he said.
"Last week's drowning tragedy at Woonona Beach near Wollongong is a sad reminder to everyone of the importance of swimming at patrolled beaches, during patrol hours.
"The easiest way to check which beaches are patrolled, and the hours surf lifesavers and lifeguards are patrolling, is to use the Beachsafe website or app."
NSW Health is urging people to take necessary precautions with heatwave conditions.
Acting Director of Environmental Health, Dr Adi Vyas, said people should take extra precautions as temperatures are expected to climb into the high 30s or mid-40s.
"We are urging people to avoid being outside during the hottest part of the day, to keep well hydrated, and to look after vulnerable neighbours and relatives," Dr Vyas said.
People showing severe signs of heat-related illness should seek urgent medical attention and, in an emergency situation, call Triple Zero (000).
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Agron Latifi
Wollongong born and bred. I love reporting about the Illawarra region and have been doing it for more than 20 years. I've moved into sport recently after covering the education round for the last five plus years for the Illawarra Mercury. It's been a great pleasure.
Wollongong born and bred. I love reporting about the Illawarra region and have been doing it for more than 20 years. I've moved into sport recently after covering the education round for the last five plus years for the Illawarra Mercury. It's been a great pleasure.
