Boaters, swimmers and rock fishers have again been warned to steer clear of the ocean, as dangerous surf conditions linger along the region’s coastline.
Seas of 3 metres – increasing to 4 metres offshore – are forecast on Tuesday, along with a southerly swell.
As of 10am, all Sutherland Shire Council patrolled beaches were closed due to the dangerous conditions resulting from a large 3m south swell.
Beachwatch NSW reports all beaches across the Illawarra are closed, with only a handful of Sydney beaches open. Only reported open beaches are Manly, Bondi and Clovelly.
The Bureau of Meteorology has warned large and powerful surf conditions are expected to be hazardous for coastal activities like rock fishing, swimming, surfing and crossing bars by boat.
The bureau says the large swells are the result of a deep, slow-moving low pressure system over the central Tasman Sea is directing persistent southerly winds along the NSW coast.
The winds are expected to ease during Wednesday, as the low moves further east. However, dangerous surf conditions are forecast to continue on Wednesday.
The bureau predicts a southerly swell of 4 to 5 metres, tending southeasterly 4 to 5 metres about noon, on Wednesday.
Surf Life Saving NSW spokesman Liam Howitt said the heavy surf conditions built overnight and would begin to ease from Wednesday.
"Most of the NSW coastline is experiencing quite large surf today, looking at peaks in excess of three-and-a-half metres so it's quite significant," he said.
"It looks like it's going to continue for at least the next few days."
Sutherland Shire Lifeguards have issued an advisory to avoid rock fishing and water activities on exposed beaches or rock-shelves.
Boaties should seek advice from @marinerescuensw and always wear a lifejacket