Beach Safety in Queensland

Spending a day at a beach in Queensland is a fun and enjoyable experience for everyone, whether you are there with your family, with friends, with a lover or on your own. The water looks so inviting, and stretching out on the sand with the gentle sunrays caressing your body is a wonderful feeling. Playing sports on the beachfront is also a favourite pastime of beachgoers because of the wide-open spaces and soft sand.

However, beaches are not as harmless as they may appear. It is important to be aware of the dangers associated with beaches in Queensland and take steps to remain safe. By following a few simple rules, your day at the beach can be as safe as sitting in an armchair at home.

Lifeguards or lifesavers patrol many beaches in Queensland. These beaches usually also have red and yellow flags that mark the safest place to swim on the beach and the area where lifesavers and lifeguards patrol.
A "Beach Closed" sign may be posted on a beach if the weather is rough or if other dangerous factors necessitate the closing of the beach. In these instances, which are rare, do not swim at the beach. You are still able to enjoy your time on the beachfront but not in the water.

Many surf beaches in southern Queensland have strong currents, called rips. These are powerful currents of water that can drag you through the water away from the beach. If you are caught in an underwater current or feel you are being pulled away from the beach by the tide, do not panic. Simply raise one arm and float until help arrives. Attempting to swim against the tide can be dangerous because a swimmer in trouble will quickly lose energy.
If a situation arises where you absolutely must swim against a rip or current, swim diagonally across it, not straight into it.

• Do not swim if you are unsure of your ability to handle the sea conditions.
• Do not swim for at least 20 minutes after eating.
• Do not swim when under the influence of alcohol.
• Do not swim at night.
• Always swim with a buddy - keep an eye on each other.
• Never run, jump or dive into shallow waters at the beach.

Other dangers at beaches in Queensland are related to wildlife.

• Marine Stingers
• Other creatures