SURF SAFETY: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE TAKING TO THE WAVES

Gold Coast beaches are world-famous and clearly beautiful, but they can also be unpredictable. Keep you and your family safe in the surf with these tips:

STAY BETWEEN THE FLAGS

This is the number one rule of the beach: ALWAYS swim between the red and yellow flags.  This patch of beach is the safest spot to swim and it’s patrolled by eagle-eyed lifeguards.

LISTEN TO LIFEGUARDS

Speaking of lifeguards – please listen to them and follow their instructions.  Lifeguards are highly trained and exceptionally good at keeping swimmers safe.

READ THE SAFETY SIGNS

Safety signs are usually located at beach entrances and down by the water.  They’ll advise you of surf and weather conditions, currents, dangerous rips and stinging critters such as bluebottles.

STAY IN YOUR COMFORT ZONE

If you’re not a strong swimmer, don’t go out too far.  It’s also a good idea to swim with a buddy so you can look out for each other or signal for help if one of you gets in trouble.

SLIP SLOP SLAP

Slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen and slap on a hat to avoid sunburn.  A good quality sunscreen with a SPF of at least 30 will stop you from turning into a lobster by the end of the day.

KNOW WHAT TO DO IF YOU NEED HELP

If you find yourself in trouble, don’t panic.  Stay calm, raise one arm above your head and start waving.  This is what lifesavers are looking out for.  Conserve your energy by floating on your back.  And did we mention, DON’T PANIC.  In an emergency or life-threatening situation call 000 to be directed to emergency services.

LOVE BEING ON ONE OF THE BEST BEACHES IN THE WORLD

We want you to love our beaches as much as we do.  Stay safe and have an amazing stay on the Gold Coast.