Sun and surf
Sun safety
Any sun exposure will induce tanning, burning and skin damage, so always protect your skin. Remember, the best form of anti-wrinkle cream is to stay out of the sun.
Here are some hot tips:
- Minimise time in the sun between 10am and 3pm - peak UV time.
- Slip on clothes that will protect you from the UV rays.
- Slop on sunscreen (SPF30+) 20 minutes before you go out into the sun; reapply every two hours.
- Slap on a broad-brimmed hat that protects your face, neck and ears from being burnt.
- Seek shade - trees, sails, whatever.
- Slide on your sunnies so your eyes don't get fried.
- Drink plenty of water to avoid getting dehydrated.
- SLIP, SLOP, SLAP, SEEK, SLIDE - it's EASY!
We all know that the sun causes skin cancer. More sun equals more chances of getting skin cancer!
For more information, call the Cancer Council Helpline on 13 11 20 or visit Cancer Council Queensland.
Surf safety
The safest place to swim is between the red and yellow flags.
Yellow flag indicates potentially dangerous conditions (caution)
Red flag means danger, don't enter the water - STOP! A red flag means the beach is closed for swimming.
Red and white chequered flag means a shark or crocodile has been sighted. Get out of the water fast!
Blue flag shows board-riding areas for surfers.
What is a rip?
A rip is a strong current running out to sea from a surf beach and usually occurs when a channel forms between two sandbars. Rips can quickly carry a swimmer out into deep water.
How do I know if I'm in a rip?
Take note of a landmark before you go into the water. When you are in the water and want to return to the beach, compare your distance from the beach with the landmark. If you have been swimming for a while but not getting any closer to the beach, chances are you are in a rip.
If you're caught in a rip, obey the ‘Three Rs':
- Relax: Stay calm and float, don't swim against the current, swim across it.
- Raise: Raise an arm to signal for help.
- Rescue: Float and wait for assistance. Do not panic - people drown in rips because they panic. A lifesaver or lifeguard will be out as soon as possible. Obey directions from the rescuer.
For more information about beach safety call Surf Life Saving Queensland on 3846 8000 or visit Surf Life Saving Queensalnd.
Alcohol or drugs don't mix in the water!
Consuming alcohol with drugs or other substances, including prescription medication, is often a factor in road or boating accidents and drownings. Alcohol and drugs both impair judgment and make a person more likely to take risks. The person's ability to respond to a potentially dangerous situation is also greatly reduced. A swimmer who has been drinking or taking drugs may tire more easily and is more likely to vomit and potentially inhale stomach contents - which can be fatal!
Drinking and boating
Just as you should not drink and drive a car, you should not drink and sail a boat.
- 0.05 per cent blood alcohol concentration also applies on the water (less for provisional drivers).
- You need a licence to drive a jet ski.
- FINES APPLY.
For all boating and jet ski rules, visit Maritime Safety Queensland.
Last reviewed: 29 September 2009
