A spate of drownings across the state has prompted the appeal to be vigilant about water safety this summer.
Seventeen people have drowned at beaches, pools, lakes and other bodies of water in New South Wales over the last two weeks.
President of Hunter Surf Life Saving, Henry Scruton is reminding residents and visitors to the Newcastle coastline of the importance of vigilance in and around the water.
Mr Scruton says the large number of recent drownings is tragic.
"It is a very, very sad situation, unfortunately. Not only for the family [and] friends, but for those who have gone in and tried to assist with the recovery of them."
Mr Scruton says beach conditions need to be assessed before jumping in the water.
"In some areas, the conditions have jumped up and been quite deceptive."
"What looks to be a nice calm, flat section is actually where the rips and the currents are going out to sea and people think ‘I’ll swim in that section because it is a nice, gentle area’ but unfortunately that’s where the currents are," he says.
Mr Scruton says there a number of important things to remember when visiting the beach.
'The big message is; swim between the flags. If you’re going to have a swim, swim with a friend, [and] certainly don’t go swimming after dark it’s just too risky at the moment, unfortunately."
"If you don’t trust your own abilities, don’t push your limits. Stay up in the waist deep water, don’t go out in the deep part," he says.
