Tips for the Beach

• Enjoying the beach should be both safe and fun, especially if you follow a few basic safety hints.
• Only swim between the red and yellow flags. The flags have been placed there by the experienced surf lifesavers to indicate the safer place to swim. It's also usually where the cleanest breaking waves are - the best conditions for body surfing.
• The red and yellow flaged area is patrolled by surf lifesavers. If there are no flags and you can't see any lifesavers on patrol, think twice before going into the water!

Beach Safety Hints

• Always swim or surf at places patrolled by lifesavers.
• Swim between the red and yellow flags. They mark the safer area for swimming.
• Always swim under supervision.
• Read and obey the signs.
• If you are unsure of surf conditions, ask a lifesaver.
• Don't swim directly after a meal.
• Don't swim under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Never run or dive in the water. Even if you have checked before. Water conditions can change.
• If you get into trouble in the water, stay calm. Signal for help, float and wait for assistance.
• Use 15+ sunscreen and wear a shirt and hat. Remember to reapply sunscreen after swimming.
• Learn how to spot a rip and keep clear of it. A rip can be recognised by sand coloured or rippled water running out to sea when the water on either side is generally cleaner. The waves may also be larger and breaking further out to sea on both sides of the rip.
• Keep the beach clean, put your rubbish in a bin and keep off the duned areas. They are there to preserve the beach environment.

Learn More by Gaining an Award

• You can join a Surf Life Saving Club and join a group of members studying for an award.
• Surf Life Saving Awards are interesting, rewarding and heaps of fun.