Fishers, sailors and maritime-enjoyers are urged not to go on the water this weekend as gale force winds are forecast for the Illawarra coastline.

Marine Rescue NSW has issued a Gale Warning for the region, as well as Sydney, Batemans Coast and the Hunter Valley.

West to northwesterly winds are expected to pick up throughout Saturday 8 July, with speeds reaching 74 km/h (40 knots) in the Illawarra and Batemans Bay. A Gale Warning is issued for winds averaging 63 km/h or more.

Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Stuart Massey said the best advice for boaters when a Gale Warning happens is just to stay home.

“The forecast winds will make boating dangerous, it simply isn’t worth the risk,” Massey said.

“We ask all boaters to check and monitor weather conditions every time they go out.”

Strong winds are also expected in Sydney Enclosed Waters and the Macquarie and Eden Coasts.