They usually have less force and are the safest for body surfing. Spilling waves have white water tumbling down the face of the wave. If in doubt, ask a lifesaver or lifeguard for safety advice. They can cause injuries to swimmers, particularly spinal and head injuries, so you should never try and bodysurf on one of these waves. These waves usually occur at low tide where sandbanks are shallow. Plunging/dumping waves break suddenly and can knock you over and throw you to the bottom with great force. While waves are one of the most enjoyable features of the beach and ocean, they are affected by different conditions. What should I know about waves and a large surf? Swim parallel to the beach or towards the breaking waves until you escape the rip current.Float with the current, it may return you to a shallow sandbank.Raise an arm and call out for help, you may be rescued.If you find yourself in a rip current, follow these steps: Some may run parallel to the beach before ultimately heading out to sea. Not all rip currents flow directly out to sea. Being caught in one may feel like you are in a flowing/moving river. These are strong currents beginning around the shore that run away from the beach. Rip currents (sometimes called a 'rip') are the number one hazard on Australian beaches and cause on average 19 deaths every year. A black and white chequered flag indicates the area where board riding and surfing is not permitted.įirst aid Do I need to worry about rip currents?.A red flag indicates that the beach is closed and you should not enter the water.The absence of red and yellow flags indicates there is no supervision. Red and yellow flags show the supervised area of the beach that a lifesaving service is operating.Lifesaving services use safety flags to help identify these hazards and to indicate supervised areas. What do the beach safety flags mean?Įvery beach has permanent and occasional hazards that you will need to look out for. You should note what uniform your lifesaving service is wearing when you go to the beach so you know what to look for in an emergency. Lifeguards and lifesavers are people who supervise beachgoers and provide advice about beach conditions. This will ensure you have the energy to remain afloat until assistance arrives. If you get into trouble, conserve your energy by floating on your back and staying calm. Never swim under the influence of alcohol or after a big meal.Never swim alone, always swim with someone else.Look for signs at the entrance to the beach for local information.
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Always swim between the red and yellow flags on patrolled beaches.To make sure you are safe when swimming at the beach: