Bronte Beach remained closed during the Easter long weekend due to the powerful ocean swells battering New South Wales. The hazardous conditions claimed three lives yesterday, with a fourth person still missing.
Bronte Beach was among several across Sydney’s eastern suburbs that were deemed too dangerous for swimming as four-meter waves pounded the coastline.
The closure of Bronte Beach comes at what would typically be one of its busiest periods, with the Easter long weekend coinciding with temperatures reaching 29 degrees across Sydney. Lifeguards maintained a strong presence at the beach, enforcing the closure as dangerous surf conditions persisted.
The powerful swells created particular hazards around Bronte’s famous ocean pool, with waves occasionally breaking over its walls. Coastal walking paths near the beach were also affected by dangerous conditions, with authorities advising visitors to maintain a safe distance from surf-exposed areas.
The dangerous conditions at Bronte reflect the broader situation across Sydney’s eastern beaches, where a 24-year-old man remains missing after being swept away at Little Bay Beach. The multi-agency search operation was suspended as darkness fell yesterday and will resume at first light.
Surf Life Saving NSW has deployed additional personnel to beaches including Bronte, with rescue teams remaining on high alert through the weekend. The Bureau of Meteorology warns the hazardous conditions will persist until Saturday as the deep low-pressure system in the Tasman Sea moves eastward toward New Zealand.
Authorities continue to urge the public to stay away from coastal rock platforms and to avoid swimming at unpatrolled locations or closed beaches as the dangerous conditions persist through the Easter holiday period.
Published 18-April-2025