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Drownings at Beaches
Beaches present risks like rips and waves, especially when swimmers are outside patrolled areas.
Understanding the Context
Beaches are Australia’s most visited aquatic environment. Rips, large waves, offshore winds and unstable sandbanks pose significant hazards. Many drownings occur on unpatrolled beaches or outside flagged areas where help is not immediately available. Visitors often overestimate their ability or fail to recognise dangerous surf conditions, especially when fatigued or unfamiliar with surf safety.
Research and Statistics
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In the most recent coastal report, around 150 people drowned along Australia’s coastline in one year.
About one in three beach drowning deaths are caused by rip currents.
Around 35% of coastal drowning deaths occur during swimming or wading.
Key Hazards
Currents & Tides
Fast-moving water such as rips, currents or tidal flows that can quickly overpower swimmers.
Dangerous Waves
Unpredictable or powerful waves that strike suddenly and knock people off their feet or rocks.
Sudden Drop-Offs
Deep water or sudden underwater drop-offs where the bottom disappears without warning.
Submerged Objects
Sharp, hidden or submerged items such as rocks, logs or debris not visible from the surface.
Marine Animals
Dangerous marine animals such as jellyfish, sharks and stingrays that can sting or injure swimmers.
Unpatrolled Beaches
Lack of or poor lifeguard supervision at beaches where no trained personnel are present.
Hidden Depth Changes
Depth variations that are sudden or not marked, creating unexpected deep-water areas.
Remote Locations
Lack of or poor access to emergency help due to remote or isolated water locations.
Underestimating Risk
Underestimation of the risk posed by conditions or water environments.
Parental Supervision
Lack of or poor parental supervision of children in or near water.
Lifeguard Supervision
Lack of or poor lifeguard coverage, positioning or vigilance.
Signage
Lack of or poor signage that fails to indicate hazards, depth or rules.
How to Stay Safe
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Ask for Local Advice
Ask lifeguards or locals for advice about hazards such as rips or currents.
Stay Close to Shore
Stay close to shore when paddling and avoid offshore winds or strong currents.
Choose Safe Entry Points
Choose safe entry points and enter water slowly and feet-first.
Tell Someone Your Plans
Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return.
Know Your Limits
Know your swimming ability and stay within your depth and comfort.
Check the Conditions
Check the weather, water movement, waves, water depth, and wind conditions before entering the water.
Swim at Patrolled Beaches
Choose patrolled beaches and always swim between the red and yellow flags.
Provide Adult Supervision
Always provide constant, close, active adult supervision within arm’s reach around any water.
