NSW Police and Surf Lifesaving NSW are appealing to the public not to take risks in the water, on one of the hottest days of the year in Sydney.
With temperatures expected to peak today in the afternoon, swimmers are urged to take extra care, especially when swimming – whether at the beach, in pools or in rivers.
NSW Police state emergency operations controller, deputy commissioner Jeff Loy, was joined by chief executive of Surf Lifesaving NSW, Steven Pearce, at North Cronulla on Friday morning, to remind Sutherland Shire residents of the ongoing swim safety message.
“The beach will certainly be a popular place for people looking to escape the hot conditions and with a number of patrols across the Bate Bay surf clubs as well as a fantastic lifeguard service, there is no reason why people shouldn’t choose to swim at a patrolled location and between those red and yellow flags,” Mr Pearce said.
“Sadly there have been a number of high profile incidents in recent weeks with at least 13 drownings since the beginning of summer and this remains a source of concern in the lifesaving community.
“Our number one goal is for everyone to enjoy their time at the beach safely and we urge everyone to check the conditions, know their limits, and to look out for their own and others safety.
“We certainly remind the public the importance of adequate hydration, but If you are feeling unwell and experiencing any of the signs of heat stress move into the shade, sit down, and seek assistance from our well-trained lifesavers.”
Motorists are also being reminded that it’s not only an offence for children or pets to be left unattended in a vehicle, it can be deadly.
The poor air quality also remains in place. NSW Health urges people with respiratory problems to limit time spent outdoors.
Last year was Australia's third hottest on record. Anita Pyne, from the Bureau of Meteorology said people should get used to it.
“We can't attribute any one particular heatwave to climate change but we do know that as the earth warms that we will get more frequent heatwaves and we will get more intense heatwaves,” she said.
“Heatwaves are the most dangerous severe weather in Australia.”
The NSW Rural Fire Service said today would bring very high to severe fire danger across most of the state, with total fire bans in place for 13 regions.
With no rain in sight, temperatures are expected to again climb to the mid-30s next week.
