Why do we swim AT PATROLLED BEACHES?

The lifeguards will find a large sand bank, which will indicate where to put up the red and yellow flags each day. To identify the sandbank, they will look the area where the waves are breaking evenly and parallel to the shore. At low tide particularly, the waves and whitewater will determine the sandbank. The sandy bottom will also be more prominent in this area. The whitewater should carry all the way to the beach, making it the safest area. If this is not the case, the lifeguards should look for the next best area - ensuring the flagged area is not close to any major rips.

WHY DO SOME TOURISTS GET CONFUSED ABOUT RED AND YELLOW FLAGS?

Red and yellow flags in Australia identify a safe area to swim as deemed by the patrolled lifeguards / lifesaver.
This is sometimes confusing for tourists as in some countries red and yellow flags mean a private beach area, or in other countries a danger sign.

It is crucial that we educate tourists coming to Australia that the red and yellow flags indicate it is a safe swimming zone and should not swim beyond these flags.

How do we identify a rip?

You'll find rips in between the sand banks - mainly indicated by a deeper, darker section of water. These will be easier to identify at low tide, as the sandbanks on either sides of the rip become shallower and the differences in colour shades will be more obvious.

There will be no breaking waves or consistent white water in the main part of the rip, any waves that reach this area will be affected by the deeper water and an immediate transformation will occur. You will also notice ripples on the surface - indicating the strongest part of the rip and the seaward movement of the water. This area is only to be used by experienced Surfers.

Rips are all different shapes and sizes and can change within a matter of minutes depending on the change of tides, wind intensity & direction, and surf conditions. Water will move off the sandbanks into the rips, so make sure when you're swimming on the sandbank - to constantly look at the surrounding area.

How do we know where the rips will take us?

Rips move off the beach quite fast, but 90% of rips will not take you beyond the surf break. Instead, these rips will move off the shoreline and then travel toward a sand bank within the surf break. The larger the surf - the bigger & faster the rips move. A rip will not take you under the water, therefore is not the cause of drowning.

Very few rips go further out than the outside of the surf break, normally these occur in bigger surf.

What if I'm caught in a rip?

If you can't float comfortably - it is important to learn to float before entering any body of water because rips will take you out of your depth.

If you can float/swim and get caught in a rip - you should allow the rip to take you off the beach - then take time to feel which way the current is taking you. Float with the current towards the sand bank - which is indicated by the waves and the white water. The most important thing you can do is to stay afloat by conserving energy...if you feel you must swim, move within your comfort zone with the current at an easy pace to conserve energy.

The rip should carry you over to the shallow sand bank where you can walk back to shore, or be carried by the waves. If you are scared, put up your hand and yell for help, never swim back toward the beach, as you will not get back. Remember you are the only thing that can make yourself drown. If you cannot float - see a lifeguard or lifesaver before you go in the water.

How do I know when I've escaped a rip?

At low tide - the rips move quite quickly and they will travel more directly over to the sand bank. When you reach the waves you will notice your direction will change and you will be pushed toward the shore by the water flow.

At low tide you should be able to stand up and walk back to shore. If this is the case - follow the white water back to the beach, other wise, if the whitewater stops - you could end up in deeper water and back in the rip.

If it is high tide, the water will move slower, you may not be able to stand when you reach the waves, so face the shore and let the waves push you back to where you can stand. Remember - do what ever you have to, to stay afloat, and don't try to swim away from the waves, as they will most surely save your life.

Should I swim at unpatrolled beaches?

You should not swim at unpatrolled beaches; however a lot of people do - because beaches in remote areas aren't patrolled or patrols aren't on at the times they wish to swim. If you must swim at an unpatrolled beach, make sure there are other people in the water - particularly surf board riders. Make sure you find the largest available sand bank - indicated by the broken waves or whitewater. The waves should be parallel to each other and to the beach, and the whitewater should travel all the way to the shoreline. This will indicate the sand bank is even right through to the shore and shallow enough to be safe, all the water is pushing toward the beach. If the whitewater stops at any point this indicates the water has become deeper and may be moving in another direction.

Keep to the middle of the sand bank away from any rips, which will exist on either side.