Staying safe on our beaches following storms and cyclones

Following Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, affected beaches – and the conditions of those beaches – will have changed. This includes changes to how beaches look, as well as changes to how rips and water may behave. While conditions will mostly return to normal over time, we urge people to remain safe and pay particular attention to the conditions at the beach.

What is coastal erosion?

Coastal erosion is the loss of land along the shoreline due to the natural removal of beach and dune material in response to changing wave and water level conditions. During storms, coastal erosion can occur rapidly, causing damage and potential danger to buildings, infrastructure and people. 

Much of the beach sand lost during these events will return; however, this natural process takes time and should be free from unnecessary disturbance as far as possible.  

My local beach has reopened following Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred; does that mean it’s safe?

• Coastal erosion caused by Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred may have drastically changed beach conditions.
• Cyclones can create unpredictable conditions even after the event – such as changing currents, strong rip tides, large waves, poor water visibility and sand banks – making swimming extremely dangerous.
• Erosion scarps are unstable and may collapse at any time, causing serious injury or death.
• Always follow the advice of lifeguards or life savers.
• Swim at patrolled beaches, between the red and yellow flags.

What are scarps? Why are they dangerous?

When coastal erosion occurs, high near-vertical walls of sand (erosion scarps or ‘scarps’) can be created. These erosion scarps are then at risk of collapsing. If pathways, trees, buildings or other structures are located close to erosion scarps they can be undermined and damaged. 

It is dangerous to stand near the edge or at the bottom of erosion scarps, as they can collapse. Any interaction with an erosion scarp (for example, digging, climbing or sliding down) could cause the scarp to collapse, causing serious injury or death. 

The development of scarps can also cause changes to the way a beach or wave conditions normally behave, so conditions can be more unpredictable than normal.

What steps can you take to stay safe in coastal areas where coastal erosion has occurred?

• Avoid walking along scarps – the near-vertical walls of sand can collapse underfoot, leading to falls.
• Avoid walking near the base of scarps – the walls of sand may collapse forward from overhead.
• Do not jump on, climb, dig into or play near scarps, and prevent children from doing so.
• Inform your local council if there are dangerous erosion scarps in your area.
• Beware of trees near erosion scarps – they may be undermined and fall.

How do I access a beach where paths have been damaged or become inaccessible?

• Coastal erosion caused by Ex-Tropical Cyclone may have damaged how you access the beach.
• Changes to the coast may have hidden potential hazards.
• Follow the safety advice of your local council/beach safety body.
• Stick to established paths.

General water safety messaging

• Always follow the advice of lifeguards or life savers.
• Swim at patrolled beaches.
• Swim between the red and yellow flags.
• Follow local council directions – including where a beach is closed due to unsafe conditions.
• Extreme wet weather conditions can have a significant impact on the water quality and safety of our rivers and beaches.
• Heavy rain and flood waters can wash pollutants from our streets, including rubbish, bird and dog faeces, cigarette butts, leaf litter and oil into the stormwater system. It can also trigger discharges from wastewater systems.
• Check water monitoring websites for more information on beach water quality, such as Beachsafe or Beachwatch.
• If you can see signs of pollution in the water, like discoloured water or debris floating on the surface, don’t jump in.  
• If you require assistance for coastal erosion, contact the NSW SES on 132 500 or, in life threatening situations, Triple Zero (000).
• If you see a potential pollution incident that could have environmental impacts, please contact the NSW EPA Environment Line on 131 555 or by email at info@epa.nsw.gov.au.
• Community members are encouraged to report any fish deaths or observations through the Fishers Watch phoneline on 1800 043 536.