Find the flags and swim between them. Look at the safety signs. Ask a Lifesaver for advice. Get a friend to swim with you. Stick up your hand for help.
Find the flags and swim between them.The flags represent the area patrolled by lifesavers and lifeguards. They mark the safest place to swim at the beach.
Look at the safety signs.The safety signs help you identify potential dangers and daily conditions at the beach. These are located at beach access points and at the flagged areas. Please read them carefully before entering the water.
Ask a lifesaver for some good advice. Surf conditions can change quickly (water depth, currents, wave size and type). Talk to a lifesaver or lifeguard before entering the water.
Get a friend to swim with you. Always swim with a friend so you can look out for each other’s safety and get help if needed. Children should always be supervised by an adult.
Stick your hand up for help. If you get into trouble in the water, stay calm. Raise your arm to signal for help, float and wait for assistance. Float with a current or rip. Don’t try and swim against it.
Click here to understand flags and signs
SLSA’s 10 surf safety hints
Understanding the ocean is very important – the more you know about how waves, wind and tides affect conditions in the water, the better able you are to keep yourself safe, or even rescue others, from danger. Recognising danger signs and awareness of surf conditions is an essential part of lifesaving.
1. Always swim or surf at places patrolled by surf lifesavers or lifeguards.
2. Swim between the red and yellow flags. They mark the safest area to swim.
3. Always swim under supervision or with a friend.
4. Read and obey the signs.
5. Don’t swim directly after a meal.
6. Don’t swim under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
7. If you are unsure of surf conditions, ask a lifesaver or lifeguard.
8. Never run and dive in the water. Even if you have checked before, conditions can change.
9. If you get into trouble in the water, don’t panic. Raise your arm for help, float and wait for assistance.
10. Float with a current or undertow. Stay calm. Don’t try to swim against it. Signal for help and wait for assistance.
The Surf Environment
Body surfing is riding waves without any equipment. You need skill to know how to catch the wave at the right time, using its energy for propulsion. The skills required to become a good body surfer come from just one thing: Practice.
Spilling waves are best for body surfing, but if you can catch a plunging wave you can avoid injury by somersaulting out before it breaks.
As the wave is almost upon you, push off the bottom or start swimming toward shore until you feel the wave begin to lift and carry you.
- As the wave breaks, take a breath, put your head down and kick hard until your body breaks through. Your feet should be together, your back arched slightly and your arms extended in front of you.
- As the wave becomes steeper, tilt forward and surf along the wave’s face.
- You will probably have to paddle a bit to hold your position on the wave. Try to keep your body straight.
- As you approach the beach, pull out of the wave by turning your body away from the wave’s breaking force, or jackknife dive and let the wave pass over your body.
Marine Stingers
| Common name | Location | Treatment |
| Bluebottles, Jimble, Hair Jellyfish, Blubber Jellyfish Irukandji (only 2cm in diameter) Morbakka (sometimes called Tamoya) — causes Irukandji syndrome Box Jellyfish |
Australia-wide | Wash off with sea water to remove remaining invisible stinging cells (do not use fresh water), and apply ice for pain. |
| Irukandji (only 2cm in diameter) | North Australia | Call for an ambulance, apply CPR (if needed), pour vinegar onto the sting, Seek medical aid* |
| Morbakka (sometimes called Tamoya) — causes Irukandji syndrome | East coast of Australia (Sydney to Cape York) | Call for an ambulance, apply CPR (if needed), pour vinegar onto the sting, Seek medical aid* |
| Box Jellyfish | North Australia | Call for an ambulance, apply CPR (if needed), pour vinegar onto the sting, seek medical aid* |
