Following a recent spate of bar crossing incidents on the NSW North Coast, boaters are being reminded to think twice before heading offshore in dangerous conditions and not to succumb to ‘mackerel madness’.

NSW Maritime’s Principal Manager North Region, Jay Ruming, said that of the 17 bar crossing incidents across the state in the last 18 months, 13 of those happened along the northern NSW coastline.

"Our waterways are overrepresented when it comes to bar crossing incidents, and with five incidents already this year, it’s an important reminder to boaters to monitor conditions and to wear a lifejacket.”

On March 14, two boaters from Newcastle were taken to hospital after their 5.3m vessel was capsized at Macleay River bar near South West Rocks. 

Last weekend, a boater was thrown overboard as they attempted to cross the entrance to the river at South West Rocks and was forced to swim to the breakwall to exit the water.

Mr Ruming said warm weather and a longer boating season on the North Coast attracts recreational fishers from from as far as Victoria and Queensland who may be unfamiliar with local bar conditions and find themselves on the hook.

“With the Easter long here and school holidays just around the corner, we’re expecting plenty of keen fishers to flock to popular offshore launching spots including Brunswick Heads, South West Rocks and Ballina to chase mackerel.

“Coastal bars pose unique risks and conditions can rapidly change, making them extremely risky for boaters.” Mr Rumingsaid. 

“Bar crossing incidents, including capsizes, can result in serious injuries to people on board and significant damage to vessels - the risks are real.”

“Have a plan B in case conditions aren’t ideal. For example, you could switch up your plans and go to a protected estuary to fish for flathead, inland waterway, or safe enclosed harbour.”

Working with NSW Maritime on bar crossing education, the Bureau of Meteorology warn that one in seven waves will be higher than twice the average wave height. In addition, boaters should be prepared for waves of up to four times the average to occur around three to four times each day.

“What people sometimes refer to as a ‘rogue wave’ or a ‘king wave’ is far from random. Watching the bar before launching can give boaters a sense of what the waves are doing and give them a chance to learn by watching others.” Mr Rumingsaid. 

The advice for boaters is to monitor conditions before and during your time on the water, if in doubt don’t go out, have a plan B in place, use a kill switch when necessary, and always wear a lifejacket. 

Our website has coastal bar cameras available for boaters to check conditions before hitting the water.https://www.nsw.gov.au/driving-boating-and-transport/using-waterways-boating-and-transport-information/conditions-weather-and-tides/webcams