Powerful surf warning for Mid North Coast

THE weather bureau is warning of powerful surf along the Mid North Coast today. 

Large and powerful surf conditions are expected for areas such as Forster, Kempsey, Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour.

The Bureau of Meterology says coastal activities such as rock fishing, swimming and surfing are not advised. 

Surf Life Saving callout volunteers, along with Water Police and Marine Rescue NSW are continuing search efforts today for a man who was swept into the sea yesterday whilst rock fishing at Seal Rocks.

The man was fishing with two friends who were located and rescued yesterday. It is believed all of the men were not wearing lifejackets. 

With hazardous surf conditions present across much of the NSW coast, Surf Life Saving NSW is urging people to follow basic safety precautions at all times while rockfishing.

These include:

Always wear a lifejacket and non-slip footwear

Check tides, swell and weather conditions

Fish with a friend – never fish alone

Carry a mobile phone

Never turn your back to the sea

Always spend time watching the conditions before fishing and constantly scan for changing conditions

If in doubt, don’t go out.