Swim between the flags

Red/Yellow - safety

Red - stop, do not enter the water

Yellow - caution, dangerous conditions

Green - go, safe to swim in flagged area.

The red and yellow flags are positioned on the beach to show the safest area to swim in terms of water depth, wave break patterns, underwater obstacles, currents, and potential rips and this area between the flags is the only section of the beach that is patrolled by lifesavers.

During the summer, the flags are up, and the lifesavers are on duty, from approximately 8:00am to 6:00pm.

Beach Conditions and Wave Types

There are a number of different types of waves; being able to identify these will help you decide when it's time to settle for watching instead of swimming.

Plunging Wave

This is commonly called the "dumper." Waves of this type break with tremendous force. A swimmer can be easily thrown to the bottom and suffer injuries. This type of wave should be left to experienced surfers.

Spilling Wave

This wave formation is when the crest tumbles down the face of the wave. Waves of this type are safest for body surfers, swimmers and board riders.

Surging Wave

This type of wave may never actually break as it approaches the water's edge. This situation causes a great build-up of water unexpectedly on the beach. The danger in these circumstances is that the swimmers' feet may be knocked from under them. Around rocks, waves of this type can bring danger to small children.

In Shore Holes

The in-shore hole is a trough that runs parallel to the shore and the depth may vary from a few inches to several feet.

Small children can be swept into a hole by the water build-up on the slope of a beach and the wave action returning down the face of the beach.

Rip Currents

Where surf rolls onto a beach, rip currents develop. These rips push water back out to sea and carry floating objects, including people, with them. They often appear to be calm water and attract inexperienced surf swimmers. If you get into trouble in the surf, stay calm, signal for help.

Rip Currents are the major cause of surf rescues. A rip current is a body of water moving out to sea. Other common names are rip tide, wash, gutter or run-out. The rip current is formed, basically, by water seeking its own level, thus causing the drag outwards.

Common methods of identifying a rip current are as follows:

• Discoloured water, brown in colour, due to sand stirred off the bottom
• Foam on the surface extending beyond the beach
• Waves breaking larger and further out on both sides of the rip
• Debris floating seaward
• Rippled appearance, when the water around is generally calm.

Escape from a Rip Current

If caught in a rip -- DON'T PANIC. The swimmer with limited ability should ride it out from the beach and then swim parallel to the shore or across the current for 30-40 metres and return to shore where waves are breaking.

Do not try to swim back to shore against the rip. An Olympic swimmer is no match for a powerful rip.

If you are a competent swimmer, swim at right angles to the direction that the rip is taking you and swim towards the white water where waves are breaking. The waves should wash you back to shore.

Inshore Drift Current

This is a current that moves parallel to the shore and can be either fast flowing or almost indistinguishable. Its intensity is greater inside the surf line and diminishes as you move away from the shore line.

Alcohol and Swimming

The hazards associated with drinking and driving are well recognised, but few appreciate the similar dangers associated with alcohol and water sports. With alcohol, judgement is impaired and more risks are taken. The swimmer tires more easily and his body temperature drops more quickly. Severe cramps may follow. If he gets into difficulties he is more likely to vomit and inhale stomach contents into his lungs. Don't mix alcohol and swimming. (Information from the Surf Life Saving Association)

 Visit the Surf Life Saving Association of Australia for more information