The number of near drownings at Sydney's beaches is soaring, as the La Nina weather effect whips up dangerous surf.

This summer more than 1,800 people have been pulled from the water, prompting a new beach safety campaign.

For more information on protecting yourself in the surf, visit these links:

http://www.scienceofthesurf.com/index.html

http://www.randwick.nsw.gov.au/Places_for_people/Recreation_and_leisure/Beaches/

http://www.surflifesaving.com.au/beach-safety/w1/i1004083/