Communities across New South Wales are being urged to take simple steps to stay safe over the Christmas and New Year break, with emergency services warning that summer conditions are already testing across the state.
The call comes as people head to beaches, waterways and regional areas that face higher bushfire risk. Agencies including the NSW Rural Fire Service, Surf Life Saving NSW and Marine Rescue NSW say preparation and awareness will be key as hotter weather, dry conditions and increased travel coincide.
This summer has already delivered a mix of storms, fires and changing weather. Since the start of July, firefighters have responded to more than 4,000 bush and grass fires, including recent incidents at Bulahdelah on the Mid North Coast and Koolewong on the Central Coast. The RFS Chinook waterbombing helicopter has carried out more than 400 drops this season, delivering over 3.2 million litres of water across firegrounds. The service has also continued to expand its capacity, completing dozens of new or upgraded brigade stations and rolling out hundreds of new and refurbished trucks over the past year.
Authorities stress that while emergency services are well resourced, individual planning still matters. Residents and visitors are being encouraged to check local fire danger ratings, understand weather conditions, have a bushfire survival plan and know what to do if a fire threatens the area they are staying in. The Hazards Near Me app is being promoted as a practical way to stay informed while travelling.
At the coast, Surf Life Saving NSW is preparing for a busy season following a lift in rescues over the past year. The organisation has expanded its response at unpatrolled locations, installing more Emergency Response Beacons, adding new jet skis and trialling AI camera technology aimed at improving safety at rock fishing blackspots. Its advice remains familiar but firm: swim between the red and yellow flags, avoid swimming alone, supervise children closely, watch for rip currents and avoid alcohol when swimming or taking part in water activities.
Marine Rescue NSW is also bracing for heavy demand. More than 3,500 volunteers are on call across the state, after crews carried out 1,379 search and rescue missions last December and January alone. Boaters are being reminded to check their vessels, carry the right safety equipment, wear lifejackets, monitor conditions and log on with Marine Rescue before heading out.
Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib said small actions, such as checking forecasts, reviewing plans and choosing patrolled beaches, can make a real difference during the holiday period. He also highlighted the role of volunteers, urging people to follow directions from lifesavers and stay across official warnings.
RFS Commissioner Trent Curtin said preparation was a shared responsibility, particularly for those staying in bushfire-prone areas. He encouraged holidaymakers to think ahead, understand local risks and have clear plans about where to go and what to take if conditions change.
Surf Life Saving NSW chief executive Steven Pearce and Marine Rescue NSW acting commissioner Todd Andrews echoed the message, both pointing to preparation as the starting point for a safe summer.
With large crowds expected to make the most of the break, authorities say the aim is not to alarm but to remind people that planning ahead can ease pressure on emergency services and help everyone return home safely.
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