Beach and sun safety

Swim between the red and yellow flags

Popular beaches are patrolled by lifesavers who are there to keep you safe.  They wear a red and yellow uniform.  Lifesavers put 2 red and yellow flags in the sand to mark where it is safe to swim on the day.  

We recommend that you only swim at life-saver-patrolled beaches and always swim between the flags. Search for patrolled beaches.

Information and warning signs

Look out for signs at the beach - these show local hazards such as rocks, big waves and strong currents.

Find out more about signs at the beach.

Or watch a video in your language

Sun safety

The Australian sun is very fierce.  Protect yourself from skin damage and cancer:

• Wear clothing that covers as much skin as possible, a hat with a brim to shade your face, head, neck and ears, and sunglasses.
• Use broad spectrum, water resistant SPF30+ sunscreen.  Put it on 20 minutes before you go outdoors and every 2 hours afterwards.
• Stay in the shade - especially between 11am and 3pm in the summer months when the sun is most fierce.