Predicted high temperatures for today have prompted Surf Life Saving and the NSW police to urge the public not to take risks in the water or in cars.
‘As the weather heats up everyone will be urged to take extra care and not put themselves or others at risk,’ said a spokesperson for State Emergency Operations (SEO).
‘Members of the public are being asked to take extra care, especially when swimming; whether at the beach, in pools or in rivers.’
Byron Shire and Lismore are predicted to hit a peak of 36°C tomorrow, Ballina will be slightly cooler with a maximum of 32°C, Tweed Heads will be 31°C while Casino is expected to hit 41°C with temperatures set to remain in the thirties over the weekend.
Temperatures across the majority of NSW (based on land area) are forecast to exceed 42°C for today. The last time this occurred was in 1939, when seven consecutive days exceeded 41°C. Sydney is expected to see its fifth consecutive day above 30 degrees for the first time in eight years. Canberra is currently forecast to reach 40 degrees for a fourth consecutive day, an event never previously recorded. Broken Hill is forecast to see four consecutive days at or above 45°C. This has not occurred since records began in 1957.
Children and animals
SEO are also reminding parents and guardians not to leave children or animals in the car unattended. It can be 20 to 30 degrees hotter inside the car than outside.
‘Motorists are being reminded that it’s not only an offence for children or pets to be left unattended in a vehicle, it can be deadly,’ the spokesperson for SEO said.
Dr Mark Stokes, president of Kidsafe Victoria says that, ‘On a 29 degree Celsius day a car can reach 44 degrees in just 10 minutes and a deadly 60 degrees in 20 minutes. Leaving the window down a few centimetres does little.’
‘Parents should ensure their children have plenty of fluids to drink during hot days and importantly under no circumstances should motor vehicles be used as a babysitter,’ Dr Stokes said.
If you see a child or animal left in a car on a hot day it is recommended that bystanders call 000 and ask for the fire brigade to attend. If the car is unlocked bystanders should open the doors and shield the windows from the sun – possibly with a blanket or sheet – and wait by the vehicle until emergency services arrive.
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
