Thriving Down Under:
Beach Safety Guidelines.
Australia is surrounded by the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Its major cities are home to beautiful beaches and coastlines. New South Wales is one of them.
According to Surf Life Saving, NSW:
‘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 sure you are safe when swimming at the beach, remember the acronym FLAGS:
- Find the red and yellow flags and swim between them.
- Look at, understand and obey the safety signs.
- Ask a lifeguard or lifesaver for advice before you enter the water.
- Get a friend to swim with you.
- Stick your hand up, stay calm, and call for help if you get into trouble.
If you are planning to go surfing or swimming, learn how to spot rip currents. Rip currents are the number one hazard at Australian beaches and they can take the strongest swimmers by surprise. For more information on rip currents, visit Beachsafe.
