With gale force winds and large swells expected across Monday and Tuesday, NSW Maritime and the Bureau of Meteorology are urging boaters, swimmers and rock fishers to stay off the water.
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Until midnight Tuesday, July 14 the Bureau of Meteorology has issued a hazardous surf warning for the South Coast but said it could persist throughout the week.
BOM has advised people to consider staying out of the water and avoid walking near surf-exposed areas.
Rock fishers should avoid coastal rock platforms exposed to the ocean and seek a safe location that is sheltered from the surf and boaters planning to cross shallow water and ocean bars should consider changing or delaying their voyage.
NSW Maritime acting executive director Alex Barrell said conditions are expected to deteriorate from Monday due to an east coast low pressure system forming off the coast.
"The seas are likely to be very rough and localised flash flooding is expected which may impact the South Coast," Mr Barrell said.
"Although it is winter and there are fewer boaters on our waterways, it is school holidays and skippers need to remain vigilant if children are on board.
"Skippers and owners of small boats should be on high alert and check the conditions before considering crossing a coastal bar or heading offshore.
"While conditions are expected to ease by Wednesday, large ocean swells are likely to persist for some days and crossing ocean bars will remain a challenge for navigation.
"NSW Maritime strongly recommends reconsidering your need to be out on the water in those affected areas over the next few days."