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Water Safety

International Students Living in Australia

  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.
  • Always go Surfing with someone else
  • 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 it's okay to swim before before you enter the water, conditions change regularly.
  • Be SunSmart use at least 15+ sunscreen, wear a long-sleeve shirt and broad brimmed hat.
  • If you get caught in a rip at a patrolled beach, do not panic. Float with the rip and raise one arm for assistance.
  • Always wear a foot strap when surfing and a wrist strap when body boarding.

What the Red and Yellow Flags Mean

Simply stated, the red and yellow patrol flags identify the safest area to swim when an active lifesaving patrol is on the beach. In Victoria, no one has ever drowned whilst swimming between the red and yellow flags.

Setting Up The Red And Yellow Patrol Flags

Before a lifesaving patrol begins, the lifesavers or professional lifeguards on duty 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 as board riders.


Local Swimming Pool Safety Tips

Your local swimming pool provides the ideal safe swimming environment. Not only is the water quality controlled to meet Health regulations, it is patrolled by qualified Pool Lifeguards.

  • Always obey the pool's safety rules and listen to the instructions of pool lifeguards. They are there to assist you.
  • Play it safe. Always walk around the pool, and remember to check for others before entering the water.
  • Never take your eyes off your children.