Emergency services and lifeguards on the NSW south coast have warned holidaymakers and New Year's Eve revellers to usher in 2014 in a safe and responsible manner.
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Finishing touches are being added to fireworks and other celebrations in towns including Batemans Bay, where the Corrigans Beach Reserve at Corrigans Cove will host its annual fireworks from 9.30pm.
Narooma Golf Club will host celebrations, with fireworks from 9pm. Other events including fireworks, live music and entertainment will take place at Ulladulla harbour, the Shoalhaven City Turf Club and Berry Showground.
Heavy seasonal traffic congestion has occurred on the Kings Highway and Princes Highway around Batemans Bay and other towns in recent days. Long lines of traffic slowed down holidaymakers on the south coast again on Monday.
Lifeguarding Services Australia chief executive Stan Wall said New Year's Eve and New Year's Day were some of the busiest days for crews patrolling the coast's beaches.
He said of the 47 rescues conducted by professional lifeguards across the Eurobodalla Shire last summer, 85 per cent of people requiring assistance were from the ACT.
''Don't drink and drown,'' he said. ''People should not be going swimming unless they are in a patrolled area and it is important to remember that if you can't drive because of alcohol, you definitely can't swim.''
Mr Walls said 95 per cent of incidents involved swimmers caught in rips and this summer was showing similar statistics.
''We had had a couple of rescues already since Christmas, with people swimming outside the flags,'' Mr Walls said.
''Those numbers were reflected in our stats from last year as well.''
Beachgoers involved in rescues by professional lifeguards have information including home suburb or postcode recorded, as well as age, race, swimming ability and the weather and water conditions at the time of the rescue.
NSW police launched the high-visibility Operation Cadman on Monday. Senior officers warned revellers across the state to act safely.
More than 3000 officers from police local area commands and specialist units - including traffic and highway patrols, the public order and riot squad and mounted and marine area command units - will be deployed in Sydney and around the state under the operation.
Deputy Commissioner David Hudson said people celebrating the dawn of 2014 should know their limits.
''We will be targeting alcohol-related violence and antisocial behaviour and encourage everyone to drink responsibly, look out for themselves and for each other,'' Deputy Commissioner Hudson said. ''Alcohol impairs your ability to make good decisions and can put you in situations where you are at risk of becoming a victim or an offender.''
Canberra is in for warm conditions and mostly sunny skies during New Year's Eve celebrations.
The city's forecast top is 30 degrees on Tuesday with light winds into the evening.
Wednesday will have a top of 32 degrees with partly cloudy conditions and light winds.
Batemans Bay will have a top of 23 degrees and clearing showers on New Year's Eve before a top of 30 degrees and a late shower on Wednesday.
