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.