Beach Safety
Lighthouse Beach is a beautiful part of the world, enjoyed by locals and visitors all year round.
However as with any coastal region, there are a few things to observe to ensure you and your family stay safe at the beach.
Swim between the flags
The red and yellow flags mark the safest place to swim at the beach.
This area is patrolled by qualified surf lifesavers for your safety.
Look for safety signs
Safety signs help you identify beach conditions and any potential dangers.
These signs are generally located at beach access points and near the red and yellow flags.
Ask a lifesaver
Surf conditions can change quickly. If you’re unsure about the conditions, talk to a surf lifesaver before entering the water.
Never swim alone
Always swim with someone else to ensure help is there if needed.
Children should always be supervised by an adult, even when surf lifesavers are on duty.
Raise your hand and stay calm
If you get into trouble in the water, stay calm and raise your arm to signal for help.
RIP CURRENTS
Rip currents are the number one hazard on Australian beaches.
The best way to avoid a rip current is to swim at a patrolled beach between the red and yellow flags.
What is a rip current?
When waves break on a beach, they push water towards the shoreline.
Once that water reaches the shore, it has to find a way to get back out to sea – usually via a channel. These channels are called rip currents.
Rip currents often lead to drowning when swimmers attempt to swim against the current, become exhausted and begin to panic.
How do I spot a rip current?
Rip currents can quickly change shape and location, and are often hard to see.
The main things to look for include:
- Deeper, darker-coloured water (e.g. darker green)
- Waves not breaking
- A rippled surface surrounded by smoother water
- Foamy or sandy-coloured water extending beyond the surf zone
- Debris or seaweed floating out towards sea
Note: rip currents don’t always display all of these signs.
How do I survive a rip current?
Raise your hand, stay calm and float on your back until help arrives. Rip currents usually only go as far as 50-70m off shore.
If you’re a strong swimmer, swim across the rip and return back to shore. Never swim against the rip.