Authorities are urging residents in Coffs Harbour to stay out of the water this weekend as a major weather system brings dangerous surf conditions to the New South Wales coastline. The warning, which covers the Coffs Coast zone from Wooli to Smoky Cape, is part of a wider coastal‑hazard alert stretching about 800 kilometres from Seal Rocks to the Victorian border.
According to the Bureau of Meteorology, the hazardous conditions are being driven by a clash of polar air and warm, humid air, which has created a deep low‑pressure system off the coast. Experts warn that swell periods are expected to exceed 15 to 16 seconds, resulting in powerful and extremely hazardous surf. This event has been classified as a potential one‑in‑50 to one‑in‑100‑year occurrence.
The Surf Life Saving NSW organisation has warned that the severity of the weather will significantly impact the ability of emergency crews to respond to incidents. Officials have noted that the conditions could hamper both water and aerial rescue efforts, including the operation of the Westpac helicopter service. Brent Manieri, General Manager of Public Safety and Emergency Management at Surf Life Saving NSW, has urged the public to exercise extreme caution, recalling a similar event 12 months ago that resulted in six deaths.
The City of Coffs Harbour is supporting these warnings, advising residents to take extra care near beaches and avoid swimming in exposed areas. With the summer of 2025‑26 having already seen a high number of drownings across the state, authorities are pleading with the community to prioritise safety and avoid taking unnecessary risks in the water until the system passes.
Due to the danger posed by the large seas, organisers were also forced to cancel the 2026 Pittwater to Coffs Harbour Yacht Race. The decision was made to ensure the safety of crews and vessels, as large swells made the journey and entry into the local harbour unsafe.
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