Professional Lifeguards say safety first at beaches this summer

The Australian Professional Ocean Lifeguard Association (APOLA) says everyone needs to play it safe at beaches this summer. Doing so will mean that families can focus on enjoyment rather than face the type of tragedy that was unfortunately a too regular happening last summer when there was a dramatic increase in beach related drowning.

20 year professional beach lifeguard veteran and APOLA President Greg Hackfath, who oversees beach safety on the NSW Coffs Coast, said that beach regulars and seasonal beach goers, be they swimmers, rock fishers, small boaters or surfers need to respect the ocean and plan for safety when out and about at beaches and in other open waters this summer.

Hackfath, Coffs Harbour City Council’s Lifeguard Coordinator explains “if people think afety first by taking adequate safety precautions then a day at the beach can be great fun.”

APOLA media spokesperson and Senior Professional Ocean Lifeguard at Bondi, Terry McDermott, says that with summer temperatures expected to be above average (notwithstanding predicted shower activity this month) people will flock to beaches in a rush and perhaps not really concentrate of what the conditions are like and where they should swim, surf, fish or paddle.

McDermott, who also has had a long-time surf and weather reporting role on Australia’s East Coast, states “when that sun starts to shine and you want to gain relief from our summer heat with a trip to our beautiful beaches you need to make good decisions about where to go in. Be guided by the lifeguards, read the beach signs and take time to check it out before you go out.

Hackfath adds that “the best swimming locations are at supervised locations known as the area between the red and yellow flags. Going to an unsupervised beach is not a good idea unless you are an experienced surfer. Know your limitations, learn how to read the conditions and never go in alone.”

APOLA National Secretary, John Andrews, said that professional ocean lifeguards have also welcomed the arrival of the new Surf Educators International (SEI) Surviving a Rip Guide (see link below) that provides an opportunity for people to understand rips and what to do if they find themselves in a rip.

Andrews explains, “SEI’s Surviving a Rip Guide is a welcome resource that will assist people loose a fear of rips and learn the survival message about rips which is really very simple: float, relax and save your life. The SEI guide shows how most rip currents move in a circular motion within the surf break and advice of stop swimming, stop fighting the rip and float with the rips toward the waves in shallower water.”

The SEI Surviving a Rip Guide was launched this week by ironman legend and founding SEI President Craig Riddington who stated “the number one beach safety message for swimmers … is (to) swim between the red and yellow flags - beach goers should be encouraged to swim in supervised areas (between the red and yellow flags) and seek advice from the on-duty lifeguards or the weekend volunteer surf lifesavers.”

“The SEI Surviving a Rip Guide is an educational tool that will be used widely by surf educators to assist people unfamiliar with the surf to understand more about rips and of what to do if they find themselves out of their depth - to take survival action that could save their lives,” Andrews concludes.

Always Think Beach Safety - Tips for Swimmers 

• Swim between the red and yellow flags which indicate the supervised swimming area 
• Look for, read and obey water safety signs
• Check swimming conditions and water depth before swimming - never dive head first
• Swim under supervision or swim with a mate - never go in alone
• Never swim directly after eating or under the influence of drugs including alcohol
• Learn how to recognise rips and keep clear of these areas - if caught in a rip stay calm, float with the current, call out 'HELP' and wave an arm to gain attention of nearby surfers or lifeguards
• Always use sunscreen to protect exposed skin, put on a shirt, wear sunglasses and a hat when not swimming and drink plenty of water 

More beach safety information can be found at APOLA, SEI and SafeWaters websites. View the Surviving a Rip Guide at www.surfeducatorsinternational.com.au/documents/Rip_Final.pdf

Image shows Waverley Council's professional lifeguards at Bondi Beach.

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