From today, an easterly to south-easterly swell of up to six metres is expected, peaking in Sydney on Saturday morning. Conditions will result in an extreme level of risk at coastal beaches, rock shelves, coastal cliffs and bar-crossings.

“We’re potentially looking at a reasonable storm event and our patrols and emergency callout teams are all on high alert,” SLSNSW lifesaving manager Dean Storey said.

“We’d advise people to stay out of the water and away from rock platforms and headlands until these conditions moderate.”

Mr Storey said it was likely most patrolled areas would be closed.

Storm damage and beach erosion is possible in some coastal areas.

He urged beachgoers to:

n Swim only at patrolled beaches between the red/yellow flags (No flags, no swim).

n Avoid rock-fishing on the open coastline.

n Inexperienced surfers should avoid surfing.

n Boaties should check their local forecast, seek advice from NSW Maritime and always wear a lifejacket.

Visit www.beachsafe. org.au for information on patrolled beaches/times.

If witnessing an in-water emergency, dial 000.