At the Beach

WHAT THE FLAGS MEAN
The red and yellow patrol flags identify the safest area to swim.

Setting Up The Red And Yellow Patrol Flags

The lifesavers are professional lifeguards they enter the water to get a feel for where the rips, currents, rocks and other hazards are located.

They then combine their knowledge and experience with the current conditions and identify the safest area to swim. Two red and yellow patrol flags then identify this area.

Depending on the water conditions, the area between patrol flags can vary in size. This is to ensure that the patrol flags are located away from rips, rocks or other hazards. The area also needs to be a manageable size, so that the patrol can ensure the safety of the swimmers, as well as not restrict other users such asboard riders.

The Area Is Monitored

Throughout the day the water conditions may alter. Therefore the patrol flags maybe re-positioned. Only swimmers are allowed between the red and yellow patrol flags. No fibreglass surfboards are allowed between the patrol flags. Surfboards must keep outside of the blue flags, which are located on either side of the red and yellow patrol flags.

Your Responsibility

The patrol constantly monitors the area between the patrol flags. However it is the responsibility of the swimmer to stay within their capabilities. Furthermore, if you choose to swim outside the red and yellow patrol flags or at an unpatrolled beach you do so at your own risk.

Arrows point to closest patrolled areas

Play it safe this summer, and swim between the red and yellow flags.

BEACH SAFETY TIPS

• Always swim at a beach patrolled by lifesavers.
• Swim between the red and yellow flags. They mark the safest areas to swim.
• Always swim under supervision or with a friend.
• Read and obey the safety signs.
• If you are unsure of conditions, ask a lifesaver.
• Don't swim directly after a meal.
• Don't swim under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Don't run and dive in the water.
• Check before you enter the water, conditions change regularly.
• If you get into trouble in the water, stay clam and signal for help, float and wait for assistance.
• Float with a rip. Don't try to swim against it. Relax. Raise. Rescue.
• Use at least 15+ sunscreen, wear a long-sleeve shirt and broad brimmed hat.

BE SUNSMART

Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world. Two out of three Australians develop skin cancer in their lifetimes and 1,000 die from it every year.

Childhood exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation in the sun's rays is the highest risk factor when determining a person's likelihood of developing the disease.

Head for the shade between 11am and 3pm when UV radiation is strongest. 60% of the day's harmful UV occurs between these hours. If you can't avoid the sun,

SLIP!
On a shirt. one with closely woven fabric, long sleeves and a high collar.

SLOP!
On some sunscreen. Broad spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen which is water resistant offers the maximum protection. Apply it at least 20 minutes before exposing yourself to the sun and reapply regularly.

SLAP!
On a broad-brimmed hat. A hat with a wide brim (at least 8-10cm) will provide the greatest shade for the head and neck. A baseball cap or visor does not offer adequate protection.

Remember your eyes need protection too. Close fitting sunglasses which meet the AS 1067 standard are the best choice. Many sunglasses are now labelled to show they block UV radiation.

TAKE WATER WITH YOU
You can easily become dehydrated without realising it. Wherever you go, take plenty of fresh drinking water.

On the Water

SAFETY TIPS

• Fire at sea can be an horrific experience, so have your extinguishers regularly serviced and ready for instant use.
• When you go aboard keep to the centre of the boat for stability.
• Stow all gear securely and with an even trim in mind.
• Insist that everyone aboard is within the boat itself, not on the side decking, and especially not in the bows or where they will obstruct your view.
• Many injuries occur because people fall overboard while the boat is in motion. No one should ever stand in the front of a boat, or dangle their legs in the water, while the boat is moving. Avoid bow riding at the front of the boat.
• Move off slowly from the jetty. The same goes for returning to the jetty, mooring or ramp.
• Always check for trailing ropes that may obstruct your propeller.
• Remember that speed limits apply when manoeuvring close to shore or other craft, or near people on or in the water.
• Have a radio aboard. If it's ship to shore, so much the better, but even a pocket transistor will give you the forecasts and warnings.
• If you can't swim, wear a lifejacket or PFD.
• Clothing should offer protection to the elements and not restrict your movements. Wear clothes that will not hold water and that can be easily discarded. Avoid clothing that will significantly reduce buoyancy, or if you need to be rugged up, wear a buoyancy garment.
• It would be worthwhile to check your ability to swim or float in your clothes. Try it out in shallow water so that you are prepared in case your craft sinks.

IMPORTANT POINTS

Always check the weather forecasts, fuel, safety equipment, and other gear before a trip.

Lifejackets, PFDs and buoyancy vests are a must.

Remember that it's always colder on the water and the sun is stronger; extra jumpers, waterproofs and suntan cream are never a waste of space.

Never go boating alone.

ALCOHOL AND DRUGS

As with the other rules of the road at sea, 'drink driving' laws are strictly enforced with the objective of safety for all.

• The alcohol limit of 0.05 applies to the operators of all vessels. that are underway on waterways - coastal and inland, public and private.
• The Police are empowered to use breathalyzers to help detect operators exceeding 0.05. Heavy penalties apply to offenders.
• Alcohol increases body heat-loss, reducing your survival time if you fall overboard, and increases pulse rate, leading to quick exhaustion if you have to swim to safety.
• Prescribed medications and other drugs can also pose problems. Many preparations for sea-sickness, hay fever and other allergies can make you feel drowsy or easily confused.
• Check with your doctor or chemist on possible side-effects of any drug you are obliged to take before you go boating

CHOOSING THE CORRECT LIFEJACKET (PFD)
All recreation boats must carry an approved lifejacket (Personal Flotation Device) for each person on board.

A lifejacket (PFD) keeps you afloat, keeps you warm and makes you more visible to rescuers. They must be maintained in good condition and kept in an easily accessible place – you may need to get to them quickly.

There are three types of lifejackets (PFDs):


PFD Type 1
Required on all recreation boats. PFDs are your primary life support device if your boat sinks. They make it very easy to keep your head above water. Get proper advice on what PFD suits you.

PFD Type 2
Wearing a PFD2 is an alternative to carrying other safety equipment on some small boats, eg. small yachts with enclosed hulls, sailboards, canoes, personal water craft, and for water-skiers. It's easy to swim in and is designed for continuous wear during aquatic activity.








PFD Type 3
This garment is an alternative to a PFD2 and comes in a range of styles and colours.








You can greatly reduce the chances of you and your children becoming a drowning victim or being injured if you follow a few simple safety tips:

1. Make sure an adult is constantly watching young children swimming, playing, or bathing in water. Do not read, play cards, talk on the phone, mow the lawn, or do any other distracting activity while supervising children around water.
2. Never swim alone or in unsupervised places. Teach your children to always swim with a buddy.
3. Keep small children away from buckets containing liquid: 5-gallon industrial containers are a particular danger. Be sure to empty buckets of all liquid when household chores are done. An infant or toddler can drown in as little as one inch of water.
4. Never drink alcohol before or during swimming, boating, or water skiing. Never drink alcohol while supervising children around water. Teach teenagers about the danger of drinking alcohol and swimming, boating, or water skiing.
5. To prevent choking, never chew gum or eat while swimming, diving, or playing in water.
6. Learn to swim. Enroll yourself and your children aged 4 and older in swimming classes. Swimming classes are not recommended for children under age 4.
7. Learn CPR (cardio-pulmonary resusitation). This applies particularly to pool owners and water sports enthusiasts.
8. Do NOT use air-filled swimming aids (such as "water wings") in place of life jackets or life preservers with children. Using air-filled swimming aids can give parents and children a false sense of security, which may increase the risk of drowning. These air-filled aids are toys and are not designed to be personal flotation devices (life jackets). Air-filled plastic tubes can deflate because they become punctured or unplugged.
9. Check the water depth before entering.

 If you have a swimming pool at your home:

1. Install a four-sided, isolation pool-fence with self-closing and self-latching gates around the pool. Such a fence should be at least 170cm tall and completely separate the pool from the house and play area of the yard.
2. Prevent children from having direct access to the swimming pool.
3. Install a telephone near the pool. Know how to contact local emergency medical services. Post the emergency number, 000, in an easy-to-see place.
4. Remove toys from pool immediately after use. Floats, balls, and other toys may tempt children to lean into pool, and they may fall in.
5. Remember always to closely supervise children using the pool and insist that others do too.