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.

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.