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"Swim
Safe - Stay Safe"
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10
Surf Safety Hints
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 1.Always swim or surf at places patrolled by lifesavers or lifeguards. |
 2.Always swim swim between the RED & YELLOW flags. These flags mark the safest area for swimming. |
 3.Always swim under supervision. |
 4.Always read and obey the signs at the beach. |
 5.Always ask a lifeguard if you are unsure of surf conditions. |
6.Do not swim directly after eating a meal. |
 7.Never consume alcohol or drugs. An inebriated mind won’t make the rational decision to avoid swimming. |
 8.Never dive into water, even after previously checking its depth,water conditions can change. |
 9.If you get into trouble in the water, STAY CALM. Signal for help by raising a straight arm in the air. Float and wait for assistance. |
 10.Always float with an rip or current. STAY CALM and do not try to swim against it. Signal for help and wait for assistance. |
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SURGING WAVES.
May never break. They are usually found where the beach is very steep or on the edge of rocky shores. They can knock you over and drag you into deep water. |
SPILLING
WAVES.
Usually have less force and are safest for body surfing. They are usually found in sheltered bays where the sea floor slopes gradually, and near sandbanks at high tide. |
PLUNGING
WAVES.
Are dumping waves that break suddenly and can throw you to the bottom with great force. These waves can create strong drift currents. They usually occur at low tide and where sandbanks are shallow. |
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A rip is a strong current of water running out to sea. Rips usually occur when a channel forms because of water rushing back out from the beach. Some signs to look out for include A darker colour because the water is deeper. A smoother surface, generally with smaller waves. Debris such as seaweed, foam or rubbish floating on the surface of the water. |
IF YOU ARE CAUGHT IN A RIP
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Stay
calm, tread water or float.
If you are tired or not a strong swimmer, float out with the current. When out past the breakers swim parallel to the shore, then catch waves back to the shore. Or raise one arm and wait for the lifesaver to rescue you. |
 If
you are a strong swimmer, swim across
the rip and with the current. Never try to swim against a rip or the current, you will just tire yourself. |
With our sincere thanks for information provided by Surf Life Saving Central Coast.
For further detailed information on surf and beach safety please visit www.surflifesavingcentralcoast.com
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