PORT Macquarie beaches are closed as king tides continue to surge across the Hastings coastline and river systems.
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Port Macquarie lifeguards have closed Town Beach and Flynns Beach for Wednesday, December 6 as high tides mixed with a large north-easterly swell continue to batter the coast.
Head lifeguard James Turnham said the surging along local beaches will be consistent throughout the day and conditions will be re-assessed on Thursday at 9am.
Dune erosion along Town Beach is already a concern.
Water surged on to the reserve at Westport Park and Hastings River Drive while Tuffins Lane had water inundation.
Marine Rescue Port Macquarie spokesperson Geoff Shelton has one warning to boaters and water users – do not enter the water.
The north-easterly swell according to Mr Shelton is a rare occurrence but an event that is potentially very dangerous for anyone entering the water.
“Because of the way the (Hastings River) bar faces, one metre of swell from the east north-east is equivalent to three metres of swell from the south,” Mr Shelton said.
“You are punching straight into the waves as you head out which makes it very dangerous. It doesn’t happen very often – usually when we get a big low pressure system offshore.”
Anyone considering heading out on the water today will be strongly advised to reconsider.
The high tide is expected to peak at about 11.30am and when it turns, the bar will be like a washing machine when the water starts to run back out to sea, according to Mr Shelton.
“By about 2.30pm it will be very dangerous down there,” he added.
Marine Rescue and lifeguards will be on watch throughout the day.
