Two swimmers stuck on rocks at Coogee Beach as lifesavers warn of dangerous conditions in NSW coast
Two swimmers have been rescued after they were smashed against the rocks in heavy ocean swells on Friday.
The two men were swimming at Coogee Beach, in Sydney's eastern suburbs, when they got into trouble in the water at about 7.45am.
They were winched to safety by rescue teams, assisted by police NSW Ambulance paramedics at the scene.
A man in his 60s suffered chest injuries and was taken to St Vincent's Hospital.
A man in his 50s was treated at the scene for skin abrasions.
The entire NSW coastline has been put on alert and Surf Life Saving NSW has issued a hazardous surf warning.
'Long period swells of up to 15 seconds means that by the time some waves impact the rock platform, they have built up some extreme power and can easily catch rock fishers completely off guard.'
There are fewer patrols keeping watch as the volunteer lifesaving patrol season ended in April.
'Only some NSW locations are patrolled by Australian Lifeguard Service lifeguards over winter,' Surf Life Saving NSW said.
'The message is clear — if a beach is closed or the conditions appear treacherous, stay out of the water.'
Rock fishers urged to be cautious
Swimmers and boaties have been warned about the dangerous coastal conditions, which are expected to persist until Sunday.
But rock fishers were particularly singled out in the warning, as seven of the 49 NSW drownings since last July were rock fishers.
'We really want to stress this message to rock fishers in particular as the winter months are when we see a large number of rock fishers visiting our coastline,' Surf Life Saving NSW said.
'In line with data reflected through the most recent National Coastal Safety Report, the vast majority of those who drown while rock fishing are male, while almost half are overseas born.'
Rock fishers are urged to always wear a life jacket and non-slip footwear, to check tides, swell and weather conditions, to never fish alone or turn their back to the sea, and to carry a mobile phone and make others aware of their plans.
'Always spend time watching the conditions before fishing, and constantly scan for changing conditions,' Surf Life Saving NSW said.
'Do not jump in if someone is washed into the water.
'If you are swept into the water, don't panic. Stay calm and swim away from the rocks.'
If you see an emergency unfolding in the water, call Triple-0.
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