Australia boasts thousands of kilometers of beautiful beaches. Australian beaches are well prepared for emergencies, and the life saving and medical services are very reliable.
Here are the things you need to know if you are on vacation in Australia and want to explore the fantastic sandy beaches of Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Port Douglas, Victoria and Cairns.
1. Flags on beaches mean safe swimming areas. Outside those areas are “rips”, currents heading out to sea. Unless you’re in a real hurry to get to South America or Africa, swim between the flags.
2. Always play safe. Don’t swim alone, and avoid deep water, dumping waves, rocky areas, or risky looking situations. They usually are risky.
3. Do not drink alcohol and swim, particularly at night. It’s been tried, and it doesn’t work out too well.
4. Shark alerts are always the real thing. You might get a great photo of a Great White Shark, but not a lot of sympathy from it, or other sharks. Get out of the water, fast.
5. Queensland occasionally has the most toxic animal on Earth offshore, the box jellyfish. Survivors say stings are agonizing, and they’re not easily treated. It can mean extended hospitalization. Check out if there’s a warning, and don’t take the risk.
6. Blue ringed octopus are small, inoffensive things in rock pools that can kill an adult human. If you see something with glowing blue rings, back away.
7. Up north, the crocodiles can grow up to five meters long, they’re fast, and they own the place, as far as they know. Don’t set up camp close to their rivers, or anywhere they can easily access. When you see a sign with a croc on it, be warned. If you see a croc, stay well clear.
8. Rock fishing is the most frequent cause of death for anglers. Watch the tides, and make sure you can get clear of the rocks without having to fight waves or wade through water.
9. Coral cuts often get infected. It’s a very avoidable problem, antibiotics usually do the job, but get treatment, immediately. Septicemia isn’t much fun.
10. If you’ve got kids, particularly young ones, make sure you do all these things. Anything unknown, keep the kids safe, and well away. Do not, ever, let toddlers out of your sight for a second on beaches, particularly those with rock ledges leading out to deep water.
Beaches are a way of life in Australia. All the public beaches are very safe. Just be careful.
Photo of the Great Ocean Road, Victoria, originally posted by jurek d.
13 responses to “10 beach safety tips when traveling in Australia”
Report an inappropriate commentDecember 2nd, 2009 at 12:18 pm
These vacation safety tips are very useful.For those who have chosen Australia for vacation, these tips will be more beneficiary. While going to beach, swim in areas supervised by lifeguards which have been marked safe. Areas where jet skis and boats are in use are not safe
December 14th, 2009 at 10:39 am
A valuable list of safety tips for people who have planned to enjoy their weekend with their family members. It is really good to equip oneself with adept knowledge of their destiny in prior. Especially, while going to beach it is essential for kids to be under the supervision of elders to prevent any event of sorrow.
January 19th, 2010 at 12:02 pm
I live in Australia and one thing I have never been sure about is – are you allowed to sleep on a beach at night.
only public beaches??
What are the rules on a public beach?
I am not the beachy kind of Australian but I do like camping!!
February 11th, 2010 at 2:58 pm
You suggest a good tips to travelers, Safety tips are needed for beaches in Australia. Australia beaches are the Best Beaches in World.
April 30th, 2010 at 10:42 pm
Thank you for posting this blogs. I enjoy reading your blog and all your tips. Keep posting more.
June 2nd, 2010 at 6:46 pm
Thanks for very precise and useful information. Very much appreciated.Keep it up!
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December 14th, 2009 at 6:50 pm
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December 14th, 2009 at 6:50 pm
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December 14th, 2009 at 6:54 pm
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December 14th, 2009 at 9:54 pm
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January 13th, 2010 at 6:50 pm
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February 12th, 2010 at 6:50 pm
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