Commuters have been warned the heatwave gripping Sydney could cause train tracks to buckle, resulting in extensive delays.
There were also renewed warnings about beach safety after a 21-year-old swimmer was pulled from the water at Bondi beach overnight.
The man was taken to hospital in a critical condition.
Transport Minister Andrew Constance delivered the train services warning as Sydney residents prepared for another day of extreme temperatures, with maximum readings of 32 degrees in the city and 41 degrees in the western suburbs.
The heatwave is expected to peak on Friday, climbing to 34 degrees in the city and 45 degrees in the west, before a cold front sets in for Saturday.
Mr Constance said, “The hard, cold reality is there is very little we can do when you have this degree of heat hitting steel tracks”.
He said extra staff were on strand-by to respond as quickly as possible..
Many people sought relief from the heat at beaches on Wednesday night.
A 21-year-old man was fighting for life after being pulled from the water at Bondi beach.
Emergency services were called to the southern end of the beach just before 7.30pm.
A police spokesman said, when officers arrived, members of the public were performing CPR on the swimmer.
“He has since been taken to St Vincent’s Hospital where he remains in a critical condition,” the spokesman said.
“Police have been told he was swimming with two other men, when the trio were pulled from the water.
“The two men, both aged 20, were also taken to hospital in a stable condition and have since been released.
“The incident is a timely reminder for swimmers to make safety the priority when in, on or around the water.”
Authorities advise the following tips for keeping safe at the beach:
- Always swim between the red and yellow flags.
- Read and observe the safety signs.
- Ask a lifesaver/lifeguard for safety advice.
- Always swim with someone else and look out for each other.
- Always supervise children around the water.
- Never swim under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Learn how to identify a rip.
- If you need help, stay calm and attract attention.
- Always wear a life jacket while boating or rock-fishing.
- If witnessing an in-water emergency, call Triple Zero (000) for police.
