Stay safe in the surf this summer
More than 140 people tragically drowned at Australian beaches in 2021-22, so it’s important we all stay safe around the water this summer.
Surf Life Saving SA has helped us with a few tips to keep in mind when you and your friends or family go to the beach. Watch the video and check out the list of pointers below.
1. Swim between the flags
Have you seen the red and yellow flags at the beach? These show the supervised area of the beach and where lifesavers are operating.
Swim between the red and yellow flags when they’re present as lifesavers have placed them in an area where there aren’t any rips or other hazards. To find out when your local beach is patrolled click here.
2. Watch children near the water
Young children should always be supervised and within arms’ reach at the beach. If they’re not confident around the water, they should wear a buoyancy vest.
3. Ask for help
If you get in trouble in the water, stay calm, raise your arm and call out for help. When you’re stuck in a rip, don’t try to swim against it as you’ll get tired and exhaust yourself. Instead, try to float and wait for help. If you’re a strong swimmer and not tired, swim parallel to the shore or towards the breaking waves to return to the beach.
If you see a friend or family member in trouble, alert lifesavers if they’re on patrol.
4. Keep inflatable toys at home
Inflatable pool toys should stay at home when you travel to the beach. It might be relaxing to lounge around on a floating inflatable flamingo, but it could quickly become a giant sail and whisk you out to sea.
5. Be sun smart
While the water poses risks at the beach, so too does the sun. A few simple precautions mean you won’t end up so sunburnt that your skin peels, and it could also prevent long-term consequences like skin cancer.
Remember to slip on a shirt, slop on 30-plus sunscreen, slap on a brimmed hat, seek shade and slide on some sunnies. It’s also a good idea to reapply sunscreen every two hours after taking a dip.