Many of us will be setting off to the coast for a well-deserved summer holiday.
Here are a few things to remember when heading for a swim in the sea or a day at the beach:
- Always swim or surf at a beach patrolled by surf lifesavers or lifeguards.
- Swim between the red and yellow flags, as these mark the safest areas to swim.
- Avoid swimming alone or unsupervised.
- Float with a rip current. Do not swim against it.
- If you get into difficulty/trouble, stay calm, float and raise one arm until help arrives.
- Don’t run and dive into the water, even if you checked for hazards earlier, as conditions can change.
- Don’t swim directly after a meal.
- Don’t swim under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- If you are unsure of the conditions, ask a surf lifesaver or lifeguard.
- Read the signs. If a beach is closed don’t swim there.
- Use 30+ sunscreen, wear a shirt and a wide-brimmed hat and remember to reapply sunscreen after swimming.
- Take only aluminium cans to the beach. They are less dangerous than glass bottles and can be easily recycled.
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