With heatwave conditions expected this weekend, Sydney's beaches are tipped to attract crowds and swimmers are being warned to maintain social distancing.

Beach lovers have been urged to avoid peak times, keep a towel's length away from others and not linger on the sand after swimming this summer as Sydney councils encourage COVID-safe practices.

With heatwave conditions expected this weekend, councils responsible for some of Sydney's most popular beaches have issued guidelines to control the expected crowds.

Eastern Beaches PAC Commander Superintendent Rohan Cramsie urged visitors to plan ahead this summer.

"Officers will be focusing on policing licensed premises, public spaces and entertainment precincts in an effort to decrease anti-social behaviour and alcohol-related violence, while also ensuring adherence to current Public Health Orders," Supt Cramsie said on Wednesday.

"We want people to enjoy themselves but for police to continue to manage public safety through the pandemic, both our local communities and visitors need to work with us," he said.
Randwick Mayor Danny Said urged people to remember to social distance.

"Our beaches are important destinations and our goal this summer is to keep them open. We're asking for the public's help - and working closely with local police - in ensuring crowd numbers don't exceed safe capacities," he said.

The council is encouraging visitors heading to the beach to follow six steps:

* Check the COVID crowd capacity rating and live beach cams on www.randwick.nsw.gov.au before leaving home.
* Wear a mask while getting to the beach if social distancing isn't possible
* Keep a towel's length (1.5m) apart from other beach goers
* Leave the beach once you've had a swim
* Visit outside of peak times such as during the week, early mornings and evenings, and
* Come back at a different time if the beach is busy.