Plan, prepare, proceed: Marine Rescue NSW urges caution on coastal bars this holiday season
by Marine Rescue NSW 17 Dec 2025 13:41 PST
Boaters looking to cross coastal bars should stand off, check the conditions and then decide whether it is safe to proceed © Marine Rescue NSW
From the Northern Rivers to the far South Coast, New South Wales' coastal bars are among the most picturesque — and most dangerous — waterways in the country.
As the summer holiday season approaches, Marine Rescue NSW is urging skippers to plan carefully, prepare thoroughly and attempt bar crossings only when conditions are safe.
Marine Rescue NSW inspectors are reminding boaters to always wear a lifejacket, do their homework and never put their own lives, or passengers, at risk. The consequences of misjudging a bar crossing can be severe, with capsized vessels quickly turning a day on the water into a life-threatening emergency. In the event of a capsize, boaters should stay with their vessel and grab hold of anything floating.
Coastal bars are dynamic and unpredictable, with conditions capable of deteriorating rapidly. Marine Rescue NSW inspectors say a lack of preparation and poor decision-making are common contributing factors in bar-related emergencies.
Northern Rivers - Point Danger to Wooli
The Northern Rivers is home to six coastal bars — Tweed, Brunswick, Richmond, Evans, Clarence and Wooli — each requiring local knowledge and careful timing.
Marine Rescue NSW Northern Rivers Inspector John Murray warns conditions can deteriorate rapidly.
"Boaters should stand off, assess the conditions and only proceed if it is safe," he said. "It is best to cross on a run-in tide because there are fewer compression waves."
Last summer (1 December to 28 February), Marine Rescue NSW volunteers across the Northern Rivers:
- Conducted 118 search and rescue missions, including 58 emergency responses
- Safely returned 305 people to shore
- Kept watch over almost 4,500 Logged On vessels
More than 400 volunteers will again serve the region this summer across seven units, from Point Danger to Wooli.
Mid North Coast - Woolgoolga to Forster Tuncurry
Seven coastal bars line the Mid North Coast — including the Nambucca, Macleay, Hastings and Manning River bars — drawing both local and visiting boaters.
Inspector Courtney Greenslade said preparation is critical.
"Engine and battery issues, along with running out of fuel, account for more than half of the incidents our crews respond to — and they are entirely preventable," she said.
Last summer, Marine Rescue NSW volunteers on the Mid North Coast:
- Completed 149 search and rescue missions, including 74 emergency responses
- Returned 335 people safely to shore
- Kept watch over more than 4,500 Logged On vessels
Almost 700 volunteers will serve the eight coastal Marine Rescue NSW units across the region this holiday season.
Hunter Central Coast - Lemon Tree Passage to Brisbane Water
The Swansea Channel Bar is one of the most notorious crossings on the NSW coast.
Inspector Jane Shirriff said skippers must not underestimate the risks.
"The decision to proceed always rests with the skipper," she said. "If you are unsure, don't go out."
Last summer, Marine Rescue NSW volunteers across the Hunter Central Coast:
- Completed 514 search and rescue missions, including 112 emergency responses
- Returned 1,199 people safely to shore
- Kept watch over almost 4,500 Logged On vessels
More than 700 volunteers will again operate across eight units stretching from Lemon Tree Passage to Brisbane Water.
Illawarra Shoalhaven - Port Kembla to Kioloa
There are three coastal bars across the Illawarra Shoalhaven — Lake Illawarra, Crookhaven River and Sussex Inlet.
Inspector Stuart Massey said boaters must prepare thoroughly before heading to the boat ramp.
"Ensure your vessel is in working order, carry enough clean fuel, have the correct safety equipment on board and always wear a lifejacket. Every safe trip starts before you hit the water," he said.
Last summer, Marine Rescue NSW volunteers across the Illawarra Shoalhaven:
- Performed 196 search and rescue missions including 78 emergency responses
- Returned 446 people safely to shore
- Kept watch over almost 4,000 Logged On vessels
More than 400 volunteers will serve across seven local units this summer.
Monaro South Coast - Batemans Bay to Eden
Seven coastal bars span the South Coast, from Batemans Bay to Pambula River. With longer distances between safe havens, mistakes can quickly become life-threatening.
Inspector Glenn Sullivan said local advice is invaluable.
"Every bar is different. Speak with your local Marine Rescue NSW unit before attempting a crossing," he said.
Last summer, Marine Rescue NSW volunteers across the region:
- Completed 107 search and rescue missions, including 63 emergency responses
- Safely returned 238 people to shore
- Kept watch over more than 3,800 Logged On vessels
More than 350 volunteers at six units are ready to assist boaters across the region this holiday season.
Marine Rescue NSW Acting Commissioner Todd Andrews says one of the most effective safety measures is also the simplest: Logging On.
"When a boater Logs On, they share details of their trip and expected return time. If they don't return as planned, a search will be initiated. Logging On saves vital time in an emergency and can be done via the free Marine Rescue NSW app or on VHF channel 16. It only takes a minute to Log On to protect a lifetime.
"We want people to have an enjoyable time on the water this holiday season and get home safely. A skipper who chooses to cancel or adjust a trip in poor conditions shows good leadership. If you're unsure, don't go out," Acting Commissioner Andrews said.
Marine Rescue NSW is a volunteer based not-for-profit professional organisation dedicated to keeping boaters safe on the water and supporting local communities.