Coastal and Surf Safety Tips

Understanding the ocean is very important - the more you know about how waves, wind and tides affect conditions in the water, the better able you are to keep yourself safe, or even rescue others, from danger. Recognising danger signs and awareness of surf conditions is an essential part of keeping yourself safe.

This section has been designed to give you lots of information to help keep you safe while enjoying Tasmania’s beaches.

Check the conditions - whether you're surfing, kayaking or boating, familiarise yourself with the local conditions and the weather forecast.

If you're surfing or swimming at a beach, spend some time back from the water looking for rips and other potential hazards before heading out.

To spot a rip, look for sandy coloured water being taken out to sea, or a rippled effect in between two wave areas. You can also ask local surfer or surf lifesavers if you are unsure. If you find yourself caught in a rip try to relax. Concentrate on conserving energy and float on your back while signalling for help by raising a closed fist.

For information about safer boating check the Marine and Safety Tasmania Website at http://www.mast.tas.gov.au/

Enjoy the day with friends - one of the simplest ways to reduce risk is to partner up with friends and to keep an eye out for one another while enjoying whatever activity you are undertaking on the coast

Leave the alcohol at home - having fun in or on the water is no place for alcohol

If in doubt, don't go out - understand your abilities and limitations

Other Important Safety Tips


    * Never run or dive in the water, even if you have checked before as water conditions can change.
    * If you get into trouble in the water, stay calm. Signal for help, float and wait for assistance.
    * Be smart in the sun and use sunscreen, along with wearing a shirt and hat. Remember to reapply sunscreen every few hours after swimming.
    * Learn how to spot a rip and keep clear of it. A rip can be recognised by sand coloured or rippled water running out to sea when the water on either side is generally cleaner. The waves may also be larger and breaking further out to sea on both sides of the rip.
    * Keep the beach clean, put your rubbish in a bin and keep off the duned areas. They are there to preserve the beach environment.

Get to know the Beach

Are you going to the beach? Want to find out more about the surf and ocean? Are you doing a school project and want more information on Beach Safety? Follow the link to find a range of fact sheets that will help you with many question you have about the beach environment

http://beachsafe.org.au/Safety_Info

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