Water Safety Tips

Before entering the ocean, swimmers must take some time to watch Water Safety Tips on the waves, look for and avoid places where there are strong backwash, obvious rip currents, or a danger of being washed onto the rocks (this includes rivers, etc). Check the weather and the tides before you leave home – if the sea is too rough, think seriously about not going in.

Only enter where the waves are straight and gentle.

If you experience a strong current, get out, or at least do not go in deep.

Never swim while you are intoxicated or under the influence of drugs.

Alcohol/drugs impair judgment and unnecessary risks are taken.

An intoxicated swimmer will tire more easily, increasing the chance of an accident or drowning.

Check with the lifeguards on duty what the surf conditions are and where the best place to swim is……before entering the sea.

Only swim in designated areas that are supervised by lifeguards (between the flags).

If the lifeguards give you directions or instructions from the beach, obey them.

Lookout and obey all warning signs.

A red-and-yellow flag means lifeguards are on duty and you should only swim in the area between the flags.

Do not dive into shallow or unknown depth water – many paraplegics broke their necks by diving into shallow pools and dams.

Do not swim in river mouths, in dirty water, very early in the mornings, early evenings, or after it had rained as shark activity increases in these conditions.

Also do not swim when bluebottles are present as it won’t be a good day.

Never leave a young child unattended near water and never make a child responsible for another child – not even for five minutes.

Teach children to always ask permission to go near water.

If a child is missing, check the water first.

Seconds count in preventing drowning or permanent disability.

Swimming aids, such as water wings or noodles, are fun toys for kids, but they should never be used instead of approved flotation devices.

Contact us to book your course.