Umina Beach (NSW 297b) occupies the western 1.2 km of the beach. The waves, clear of the tidal delta initially increase slightly in size to average about 1 m, then decrease into the western corner, where the beach turns to face east, and Ettalong Creek drains across the beach. Along this section the bars remain low and wide, but rips are more common and stronger when the waves are breaking. As a result an average of 72 people are rescued here annually. The Umina SLSC, formed in 1959, is located in the centre of the beach and is responsible for the 1.6 km on the western end of Ocean Beach adjacent to the suburb of Umina. It has a large car park and is adjacent to the oval, sporting facilities and caravan park.
Both beaches are moderately sheltered and relatively calm under northeast and east conditions. However tidal currents increase toward the east and Ettalong Beach and when waves are breaking, rip currents increase in strength toward the centre and west, with up to eight rips cutting across the attached bar. Best to stay between the flags at both beaches and on the attached bars, avoiding the rips and tidal currents.
