Beach Safety
The NSW coastline is a beautiful and dynamic place. It can also be hazardous at times so knowing how to stay safe next time you visit the beach is essential.
Last year there were more than 6.4 million visits to NSW beaches. Our lifeguards and volunteer lifesavers performed over 5,000 rescues, 26,000 first aid treatments and 440,000 preventative actions. To make your next trip to the beach safer, be aware of some of the main hazards and follow these simple tips:
- Always swim or surf at places patrolled by lifesavers or lifeguards
- 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 lifeguard/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 as water conditions can change
- If you get into trouble in the water, stay calm. Signal for help, float and wait for assistance
- Use 30+ sunscreen and wear a shirt and hat. Remember to re-apply 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 dune areas
