Waverley Council > Beaches and the Coast > Beach Safety
Beach Safety
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Swimming in the ocean can be dangerous. In order to have a hassle free day at the beach it is advisable to:
- Always swim between the flags because that is the safest area to swim in and is patrolled by experienced lifeguards.
- If you are not an experienced swimmer don't swim alone. Swim with a friend or under supervision.
- Don't swim under the influence of drugs or alcohol. (Most adults who drown in NSW are alcohol affected.)
- Learn to recognise dangerous rips and waves. Often the beach has only gentle waves and currents but sometimes the waves or currents can be very powerful and overwhelm swimmers. It is important for beach swimmers to learn to recognise the strong currents (rips) and the dangerous waves.
Rips
Most people who need rescuing at the beach have been
caught in a rip.
Rips can be recognised by the contrast with the surrounding sea. eg
- If the sea is rough and white the rip is where there's a channel of calmer looking water.
- If the sea is calm, the rip is where there's a channel of rippled water.
If caught in a rip
- Don't panic and don't try and swim back in against the rip.
- Put your hand up to attract a lifeguard's attention, who will come and rescue you.
- More experienced swimmers can try swimming across the rip. When the rip has been crossed then swim into shore.
Dumpers and Surging Waves
Waves that don't break or waves that break very
forcefully should be avoided.
Dumpers are waves that break with force, usually at low tide, in shallow water. The crest plunges straight down instead of rolling down. Dumpers can cause serious injury. Anyone who has been dumped can remember the powerful force that kept them pinned onto the sand with the water swirling over them. Waves that don't break at all (surging waves) can knock swimmers over and drag them out to sea.
Further information contact:
Waverley Council's Beach Services
Division 8362 3406
or Bondi Lifeguards 8362 3450
(This page maintained by Manager - Beach Services (8362 3406). Last updated 01-Jul-2009)
