In an emergency, call TRIPLE ZERO (000)
always swim between
the red and yellow flags
Queensland's iconic beaches are famous all over the world, attracting millions of local residents, interstate tourists and international guests. However, not all beachgoers are aware of the potential dangers they may encounter.
The size and strength of the surf, unpredictable rips and gutters, and dangerous marine creatures can all pose a risk for swimmers and beachgoers. With that in mind, it is important to know how to protect yourself in the water and understand the warning signs and flags, to ensure you remember your trip to the beach for all the right reasons.
KEY SAFETY INFORMATION
To ensure you enjoy your time at the beach, make sure you follow this advice.
- ALWAYS swim at beaches that have surf life saving patrols and only between the red and yellow flags
- Read the safety signs and understand the meaning of the flag colours which will explain the conditions of the water.
- If you are unsure about the conditions, ask a life saver or lifeguard before entering the water.
- If you are unsure about how confident you feel about the water, please stay in shallow water where you feel in control.
- Swim with a friend where possible.
- If you find yourself in trouble, stay calm and put your hand up for help.
- Always supervise young children in and around the water.
beach safety flags
Red and yellow flag
Always swim between the flags.
Red flag
No swimming.
Yellow flag
Caution required. Potential hazards.
Black and white flag
Surf craft (canoes, kayaks, surfboards) riding area boundary.
WHAT DO THE WARNING SIGNS MEAN?
Strong current
The strength of the current is high. This can push you into the water even as a strong swimmer. Be very careful.
Sudden Drop Off
There is a sudden drop off where the sand is gone be careful when entering the water.
High surf
The waves are rough and can be dangerous is you are not a strong swimmer. Be very careful.
Crocodile Hazard
A crocodile has been seen in the water ask life savers or lifeguards for advice before swimming.
Submerged rocks
There are rocks under the water that you cannot see that can cause you harm if you are not aware.
Shallow Water Hazard
The water is very shallow be careful when diving under waves.
Marine stingers
There are marine stingers detected in the water. Please be aware as they can hurt you.
Shark Hazard
Sharks have been spotted in the area ask life savers or lifeguards for advice before swimming.
Blue bottles
There are marine stingers detected in the water. Please be aware as they can hurt you.
Snakes
We have detected snakes in the area around the beach.
Strong current
The strength of the current is high. This can push you into the water even as a strong swimmer. Be very careful.
Sudden Drop Off
There is a sudden drop off where the sand is gone be careful when entering the water.
National Aquatic and Recreational Signage Style
At all our patrolled beaches, we have various beach safety flags and warning signs that help all our beachgoers understand what each sign means.
Signage is important for three reasons:
- It informs users of dangers, safety issues and other relevant information.
- It offers some protection to the land manager and venue operator from litigation because of the duty of care owed by the land manager to warn users of dangers, prohibitions and other safety information.
- It provides an economical alternative to that of employing a person to stand at every access track into the reserve to inform people of dangers.
Over many years, land managers and venue operators have introduced signage that has taken many different shapes, sizes, and colours. Symbols, wording, and sign location have differed greatly.
Signs that you will find across Queensland include beach access signs, individual hazard aquatic hazards signs and emergency marker signs.
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SLSA recommends swimming at patrolled beaches, between the red and yellow flags.