Water
Swimming
At the beach always swim between the red and yellow flags during patrolled times. The flags mark the safest place to swim and the area where lifesavers and lifeguards patrol. Blue flags indicate where surfing is allowed.
Many surf beaches in Australia have strong currents, called rips. These are powerful currents of water that can drag you out to sea. If you find yourself being caught in a rip, do not panic. Stay calm, float with the current and raise your hand, swim parallel to the shore. Do not try to swim against the rip, as you will simply get tired and lose strength.
If you are unsure of the beach surf conditions check with a lifesaver.
Read and obey warning signs on beaches, beach access points and at waterways.
Always swim with others. Children should always be accompanied in the water by an adult who can swim.
Never swim under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or in darkness.
Never jump or dive into shallow water, a rockpool, creek, lake or river due to immersed rocks and logs.
Know your health limitations when considering diving, snorkelling, swimming (or other active pursuits).
Follow these safe swimming practices:
Surf Life Saving Queensland's 'FLAGS' motto can save your life
F - Find the flags and swim between them. Always swim between the red and yellow flags — not outside them. The flags mark the safest place to swim and the area where lifesavers and lifeguards patrol.
L - Look at the safety signs. Read these carefully and if unsure, ask a lifesaver what they represent.
A - Ask a lifesaver for some good advice. Surf conditions can change. Talk to a lifesaver before entering the water.
G - Get a friend to swim with you. Always swim with a friend.
S - Stick-up (raise) your hand for help. If you get into trouble raise your arm to signal for help, stay calm, float and wait for assistance.
Marine Life
Queensland, like any coastal destination, has marine life that can pose threats to humans when proper precautions are not observed. While these creatures do not pose a major threat, it is important to be aware of their potential danger. We've listed the creatures below, not to alarm you, but rather to point out some significant facts.
Sharks
While shark attacks are rare, the following precautions help reduce the risk of dangerous incidents:
Always swim at between the flags at patrolled beaches.
Do not swim alone or at night.
Avoid swimming in canals or near the mouth of a river.
Stingers (Jellyfish)
Stingers live in tropical waters all over the world and can be found in Queensland anywhere north of Agnes Water. Queensland has two jellyfish species that have been classified as dangerous: the Chironex Box Jellyfish and the Irukandji.
"Stinger Season" is generally from early November to early June
For your safety, always swim between the red and yellow flags at beaches patrolled by lifeguards or swim in enclosures (where and when available).
If you swim in unprotected waters, wear a "stinger suit" or stockings to protect exposed skin.
If you are stung, wash the affected area with household vinegar as soon as possible and seek medical attention.
Crocodiles
There are both freshwater and saltwater crocodiles in Tropical North Queensland. They can be found around rivers, freshwater lagoons and coastal beaches.
When fishing, avoid standing at the water's edge or on logs or branches that hang over deep water.
When camping near lakes, rivers and beaches, camp about two metres from the high water mark and at least 50 metres from the edge of the water. Crocodiles are most active at night.
Read and obey warning signs, they are there for a reason.
Boating Safety
If you are the holder of a boating licence, a skipper’s blood alcohol content cannot exceed 0.05%.
When hiring watercraft ensure that the operator has provided you with all the necessary boating and safety equipment and local hints needed for the areas you are visiting.
Weather forecasts should be obtained when planning any trip on the water, no matter how short. Weather forecast telephone numbers to use when in Queensland include:
All of Queensland - 1300 360 426
Marine warnings - 1300 360 427
South East Queensland - 1300 360 428
Snorkelling or SCUBA Diving Safety
You must have completed a training course to go SCUBA diving. However, to enjoy snorkelling, a competent swimmer can usually master this quickly.
When diving or snorkelling remember to:
Never go diving or snorkelling alone
Always let someone know where you’re going and what time you will return
Advise the dive company of ANY medical condition or medicine you are currently taking.
