Safety tips when swimming in the sea

Many of us will be setting off to the coast for a well-deserved summer holiday.

Here are a few things to remember when heading for a swim in the sea or a day at the beach:

•  Always swim or surf at a beach patrolled by surf lifesavers or lifeguards.
•  Swim between the red and yellow flags, as these mark the safest areas to swim.
• Avoid swimming alone or unsupervised.
• Float with a rip current. Do not swim against it.
• If you get into difficulty/trouble, stay calm, float and raise one arm until help arrives.
• Don’t run and dive into the water, even if you checked for hazards earlier, as conditions can change.
• Don’t swim directly after a meal.
• Don’t swim under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• If you are unsure of the conditions, ask a surf lifesaver or lifeguard.
• Read the signs. If a beach is closed don’t swim there.
• Use 30+ sunscreen, wear a shirt and a wide-brimmed hat and remember to reapply sunscreen after swimming.
• Take only aluminium cans to the beach. They are less dangerous than glass bottles and can be easily recycled.