Newcastle Beaches Closed as Powerful Surf Pounds the Coast

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Beaches in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie are closed today due to an intense, powerful swell.

The swell caused by a strong southerly and a high and low system coming to meet has created massive waves, rough conditions and unpredictable currents.

"The seas are really really big and are pounding all up and down the coastline creating very dangerous conditions for rock fishers, stay right away from it at the moment. Believe me, the Coop is a much better option at the moment.," said Hunter Surf Life Saving President Henry Scruton.

"Stay away from the ocean at the moment, it looks spectacular but it's certainly not the place to be swimming or surfing in. It's massive swells, lots of wave action and a lot of underwater currents."

Newcastle City Council lifeguards are asking everyone to heed the beach closures and stay out of the water today and until the conditions significantly ease.

"Definitely not swimming weather at the moment, we realise it is school holidays, but those who do need to have a swim, stick to the indoor baths and the pools. The seas at the moment are very large and very very cranky," said Henry Scruton.

He also said it could be three or four more days before the surf clams down.

All Newcastle beaches, including Stockton Beach, as well as Newcastle and Merewether Ocean Baths, are CLOSED again today due to dangerous conditions and very rough surf. The large swell is even more powerful and dangerous than yesterday's conditions. https://t.co/qxqIraQhdh

— City of Newcastle (@CityNewcastle) January 16, 2018

Frosty Trading the Track for the Surf Ahead of the Newcastle 500

BY JESSICA ROUSE

2015 Supercars Champion Mark Winterbottom hit the sand in Stockton this morning, racing suit and all, with local surf life-saving kids.

With just three days until the Newcastle 500, drivers are getting keen to take a spin on the track for the first time in their Supercars.

Mark Winterbottom on Stockton Beach this morning.

Mark Winterbottom said it's really quite exhilarating coming to a new track and particularly to Newcastle.

"I think the race is going to be fantastic, you know we've got one of the best backdrops, one of the best tracks, the elevation, it's got everything that a circuit needs. It's a championship decider, it'll be the first ever to win on the track, and your motivation is through the roof," said Mark.

The race has come under some scrutiny from local residents in the East End who just last night held an impromptu rally against the race. They chanted songs and chalked slogans and peace symbols on the tarmac on Scott Street.

Mark said from his perspective, the support far outweighs the nay-sayers.

"Some are concerned about environmental issues and then they go and vandalise their own city. I don't really understand that, that's sort of going against everything they stand for. It is what it is. We'll race anywhere but this city I think really seeing the turn out they've had, the ticket sales, it's the start of something big."

From tomorrow teams and equipment start rolling into the CBD to set up.

The 2.6 kilometre track will be the decider for the championship with 30 points separating Jamie Whincup and Scott McLaughlin. Scott does have some ground to make up and will have to finish several places in front of his rival to take out the 2017 Supercars title.

Mark said even though he's not in contention for the championship, he can't wait to get out on the track.

'We'll race anywhere but we come to towns that get behind it and Newcastle is so important for us, it's such a big region, such a big following and to see kids that haven't see our race firsthand will get that taste on the weekend for the first time and that's what its about, they're excited. They treat you like a rockstar but you're just a normal person!"

Steer clear of the Hunter's beaches

BY IAN CROUCH and JESSICA ROUSE

Hunter residents are being urged to steer clear of the beach over the next couple of days with waves expected to reach up to five metres today and tomorrow.

It's prompted warnings from Surf Lifesaving NSW to all beachgoers and rock fishermen around the region to stay away from all our beaches.

It comes as the Hunter prepares for the coldest day of the year so far, with temperatures only set to reach 18 degrees in some areas today - four degrees below average.

Drownings Prompt Water Safety Warnings

BY GEORGIA LUPTON

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.