Beach Safety
Jan 1st 2004 | 5:12 pm
#1
Thread Starter
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 11,149
Beach Safety
SLSA's 10 Surf Safety Hints
1. Always swim or surf at places patrolled by surf lifesavers or lifeguards.
2. Swim between the red and yellow flags. They mark the safest area to swim.
3. Always swim under supervision or with a friend.
4. Read and obey the signs.
5. Don't swim directly after a meal.
6. Don't swim under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
7. If you are unsure of surf conditions, ask a lifesaver or lifeguard.
8. Never run and dive in the water. Even if you have checked before, conditions can change.
9. If you get into trouble in the water, don't panic. Raise your arm for help, float and wait for assistance.
10. Float with a current or undertow. Stay calm. Don't try to swim against it. Signal for help and wait for assistance.
The Surf Environment
Rips
A rip is a strong current running out to sea. Rips are the cause of most rescues performed at beaches. A rip usually occurs when a channel forms between the shore and a sandbar, and large waves have built up water which then returns to sea, causing a drag effect. The larger the surf, the stronger the rip. Rips are dangerous as they can carry a weak or tired swimmer out into deep water.
Identifying a Rip
The following features will alert you to the presence of a rip:
darker colour, indicating deeper water
murky brown water caused by sand stirred up off the bottom
smoother surface with much smaller waves, alongside white water (broken waves)
waves breaking further out to sea on both sides of the rip
debris floating out to sea
a rippled look, when the water around is generally calm
Surf Skills
Escaping from a Rip
If you are caught in a rip:
Don't Panic - stay calm
If you are a strong swimmer, swim at a 45 degree angle across the rip and in the same direction as the current until you reach the breaking wave zone, then return to shore
If you are a weak or tired swimmer, float with the current, don't fight it. Swim parallel to the shore for about 30 - 40m until you reach the breaking wave zone, then swim back to shore or signal for help.
Remember to stay calm and conserve your energy.
Negotiating the surf
Before entering the surf, always make note of a landmark such as a building or headland that can be seen from the water and used as a guide for maintaining a fixed position. Also check the depth of any gutter and the height of any sandbank before diving under waves – this will help prevent spinal injury.
When going out through the surf, negotiate the shallows by a high hurdle type of stride until the breakers reach your waist or until your progress is slowed.
Waves of any size and force should not be fought against and should be negotiated by diving underneath, giving you time to reach the bottom and lie as flat as possible on the sand while the wave passes over.
Your hands can be dug into the sand in front at arm's length for stability and as a pull forward when ready to surface.
If the water is deep enough, bring your knees up under your body so you can get a good push off the bottom, like an uncoiling spring. This gives added force to your next dive. Repeat this process until in chest-deep water, then start swimming.
If a broken wave approaches when the water is not too deep, dive down and run or crawl along the bottom. In deep water, do not use extra energy trying to reach the bottom; instead duckdive to just below the turbulence. Wait for the wash to pass and then push or kick to the surface (off the bottom, if possible).
Stick to your predetermined path on the swim out.
Check your position by occasionally raising your head for a quick look when swimming on top of a swell.
Body Surfing
Body surfing is riding waves without any equipment. You need skill to know how to catch the wave at the right time, using its energy for propulsion. The skills required to become a good body surfer come from just one thing: Practice.
Spilling waves are best for body surfing, but if you can catch a plunging wave you can avoid injury by somersaulting out before it breaks.
1. As the wave is almost upon you, push off the bottom or start swimming toward shore until you feel the wave begin to lift and carry you.
2. As the wave breaks, take a breath, put your head down and kick hard until your body breaks through. Your feet should be together, your back arched slightly and your arms extended in front of you. As the wave becomes steeper, tilt forward and surf along the wave's face.
3. You will probably have to paddle a bit to hold your position on the wave. Try to keep your body straight.
4. As you approach the beach, pull out of the wave by turning your body away from the wave's breaking force, or jackknife dive and let the wave pass over your body.
1. Always swim or surf at places patrolled by surf lifesavers or lifeguards.
2. Swim between the red and yellow flags. They mark the safest area to swim.
3. Always swim under supervision or with a friend.
4. Read and obey the signs.
5. Don't swim directly after a meal.
6. Don't swim under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
7. If you are unsure of surf conditions, ask a lifesaver or lifeguard.
8. Never run and dive in the water. Even if you have checked before, conditions can change.
9. If you get into trouble in the water, don't panic. Raise your arm for help, float and wait for assistance.
10. Float with a current or undertow. Stay calm. Don't try to swim against it. Signal for help and wait for assistance.
The Surf Environment
Rips
A rip is a strong current running out to sea. Rips are the cause of most rescues performed at beaches. A rip usually occurs when a channel forms between the shore and a sandbar, and large waves have built up water which then returns to sea, causing a drag effect. The larger the surf, the stronger the rip. Rips are dangerous as they can carry a weak or tired swimmer out into deep water.
Identifying a Rip
The following features will alert you to the presence of a rip:
darker colour, indicating deeper water
murky brown water caused by sand stirred up off the bottom
smoother surface with much smaller waves, alongside white water (broken waves)
waves breaking further out to sea on both sides of the rip
debris floating out to sea
a rippled look, when the water around is generally calm
Surf Skills
Escaping from a Rip
If you are caught in a rip:
Don't Panic - stay calm
If you are a strong swimmer, swim at a 45 degree angle across the rip and in the same direction as the current until you reach the breaking wave zone, then return to shore
If you are a weak or tired swimmer, float with the current, don't fight it. Swim parallel to the shore for about 30 - 40m until you reach the breaking wave zone, then swim back to shore or signal for help.
Remember to stay calm and conserve your energy.
Negotiating the surf
Before entering the surf, always make note of a landmark such as a building or headland that can be seen from the water and used as a guide for maintaining a fixed position. Also check the depth of any gutter and the height of any sandbank before diving under waves – this will help prevent spinal injury.
When going out through the surf, negotiate the shallows by a high hurdle type of stride until the breakers reach your waist or until your progress is slowed.
Waves of any size and force should not be fought against and should be negotiated by diving underneath, giving you time to reach the bottom and lie as flat as possible on the sand while the wave passes over.
Your hands can be dug into the sand in front at arm's length for stability and as a pull forward when ready to surface.
If the water is deep enough, bring your knees up under your body so you can get a good push off the bottom, like an uncoiling spring. This gives added force to your next dive. Repeat this process until in chest-deep water, then start swimming.
If a broken wave approaches when the water is not too deep, dive down and run or crawl along the bottom. In deep water, do not use extra energy trying to reach the bottom; instead duckdive to just below the turbulence. Wait for the wash to pass and then push or kick to the surface (off the bottom, if possible).
Stick to your predetermined path on the swim out.
Check your position by occasionally raising your head for a quick look when swimming on top of a swell.
Body Surfing
Body surfing is riding waves without any equipment. You need skill to know how to catch the wave at the right time, using its energy for propulsion. The skills required to become a good body surfer come from just one thing: Practice.
Spilling waves are best for body surfing, but if you can catch a plunging wave you can avoid injury by somersaulting out before it breaks.
1. As the wave is almost upon you, push off the bottom or start swimming toward shore until you feel the wave begin to lift and carry you.
2. As the wave breaks, take a breath, put your head down and kick hard until your body breaks through. Your feet should be together, your back arched slightly and your arms extended in front of you. As the wave becomes steeper, tilt forward and surf along the wave's face.
3. You will probably have to paddle a bit to hold your position on the wave. Try to keep your body straight.
4. As you approach the beach, pull out of the wave by turning your body away from the wave's breaking force, or jackknife dive and let the wave pass over your body.
Jan 1st 2004 | 5:27 pm
#2
Be true to your skew
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 373
From: Wanneroo, WA
Re: Beach Safety
Originally posted by bondipom
SLSA's 10 Surf Safety Hints
1. Always swim or surf at places patrolled by surf lifesavers or lifeguards.
2. Swim between the red and yellow flags. They mark the safest area to swim.
3. Always swim under supervision or with a friend.
4. Read and obey the signs.
5. Don't swim directly after a meal.
6. Don't swim under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
7. If you are unsure of surf conditions, ask a lifesaver or lifeguard.
8. Never run and dive in the water. Even if you have checked before, conditions can change.
9. If you get into trouble in the water, don't panic. Raise your arm for help, float and wait for assistance.
10. Float with a current or undertow. Stay calm. Don't try to swim against it. Signal for help and wait for assistance.
The Surf Environment
Rips
A rip is a strong current running out to sea. Rips are the cause of most rescues performed at beaches. A rip usually occurs when a channel forms between the shore and a sandbar, and large waves have built up water which then returns to sea, causing a drag effect. The larger the surf, the stronger the rip. Rips are dangerous as they can carry a weak or tired swimmer out into deep water.
Identifying a Rip
The following features will alert you to the presence of a rip:
darker colour, indicating deeper water
murky brown water caused by sand stirred up off the bottom
smoother surface with much smaller waves, alongside white water (broken waves)
waves breaking further out to sea on both sides of the rip
debris floating out to sea
a rippled look, when the water around is generally calm
Surf Skills
Escaping from a Rip
If you are caught in a rip:
Don't Panic - stay calm
If you are a strong swimmer, swim at a 45 degree angle across the rip and in the same direction as the current until you reach the breaking wave zone, then return to shore
If you are a weak or tired swimmer, float with the current, don't fight it. Swim parallel to the shore for about 30 - 40m until you reach the breaking wave zone, then swim back to shore or signal for help.
Remember to stay calm and conserve your energy.
Negotiating the surf
Before entering the surf, always make note of a landmark such as a building or headland that can be seen from the water and used as a guide for maintaining a fixed position. Also check the depth of any gutter and the height of any sandbank before diving under waves – this will help prevent spinal injury.
When going out through the surf, negotiate the shallows by a high hurdle type of stride until the breakers reach your waist or until your progress is slowed.
Waves of any size and force should not be fought against and should be negotiated by diving underneath, giving you time to reach the bottom and lie as flat as possible on the sand while the wave passes over.
Your hands can be dug into the sand in front at arm's length for stability and as a pull forward when ready to surface.
If the water is deep enough, bring your knees up under your body so you can get a good push off the bottom, like an uncoiling spring. This gives added force to your next dive. Repeat this process until in chest-deep water, then start swimming.
If a broken wave approaches when the water is not too deep, dive down and run or crawl along the bottom. In deep water, do not use extra energy trying to reach the bottom; instead duckdive to just below the turbulence. Wait for the wash to pass and then push or kick to the surface (off the bottom, if possible).
Stick to your predetermined path on the swim out.
Check your position by occasionally raising your head for a quick look when swimming on top of a swell.
Body Surfing
Body surfing is riding waves without any equipment. You need skill to know how to catch the wave at the right time, using its energy for propulsion. The skills required to become a good body surfer come from just one thing: Practice.
Spilling waves are best for body surfing, but if you can catch a plunging wave you can avoid injury by somersaulting out before it breaks.
1. As the wave is almost upon you, push off the bottom or start swimming toward shore until you feel the wave begin to lift and carry you.
2. As the wave breaks, take a breath, put your head down and kick hard until your body breaks through. Your feet should be together, your back arched slightly and your arms extended in front of you. As the wave becomes steeper, tilt forward and surf along the wave's face.
3. You will probably have to paddle a bit to hold your position on the wave. Try to keep your body straight.
4. As you approach the beach, pull out of the wave by turning your body away from the wave's breaking force, or jackknife dive and let the wave pass over your body.
SLSA's 10 Surf Safety Hints
1. Always swim or surf at places patrolled by surf lifesavers or lifeguards.
2. Swim between the red and yellow flags. They mark the safest area to swim.
3. Always swim under supervision or with a friend.
4. Read and obey the signs.
5. Don't swim directly after a meal.
6. Don't swim under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
7. If you are unsure of surf conditions, ask a lifesaver or lifeguard.
8. Never run and dive in the water. Even if you have checked before, conditions can change.
9. If you get into trouble in the water, don't panic. Raise your arm for help, float and wait for assistance.
10. Float with a current or undertow. Stay calm. Don't try to swim against it. Signal for help and wait for assistance.
The Surf Environment
Rips
A rip is a strong current running out to sea. Rips are the cause of most rescues performed at beaches. A rip usually occurs when a channel forms between the shore and a sandbar, and large waves have built up water which then returns to sea, causing a drag effect. The larger the surf, the stronger the rip. Rips are dangerous as they can carry a weak or tired swimmer out into deep water.
Identifying a Rip
The following features will alert you to the presence of a rip:
darker colour, indicating deeper water
murky brown water caused by sand stirred up off the bottom
smoother surface with much smaller waves, alongside white water (broken waves)
waves breaking further out to sea on both sides of the rip
debris floating out to sea
a rippled look, when the water around is generally calm
Surf Skills
Escaping from a Rip
If you are caught in a rip:
Don't Panic - stay calm
If you are a strong swimmer, swim at a 45 degree angle across the rip and in the same direction as the current until you reach the breaking wave zone, then return to shore
If you are a weak or tired swimmer, float with the current, don't fight it. Swim parallel to the shore for about 30 - 40m until you reach the breaking wave zone, then swim back to shore or signal for help.
Remember to stay calm and conserve your energy.
Negotiating the surf
Before entering the surf, always make note of a landmark such as a building or headland that can be seen from the water and used as a guide for maintaining a fixed position. Also check the depth of any gutter and the height of any sandbank before diving under waves – this will help prevent spinal injury.
When going out through the surf, negotiate the shallows by a high hurdle type of stride until the breakers reach your waist or until your progress is slowed.
Waves of any size and force should not be fought against and should be negotiated by diving underneath, giving you time to reach the bottom and lie as flat as possible on the sand while the wave passes over.
Your hands can be dug into the sand in front at arm's length for stability and as a pull forward when ready to surface.
If the water is deep enough, bring your knees up under your body so you can get a good push off the bottom, like an uncoiling spring. This gives added force to your next dive. Repeat this process until in chest-deep water, then start swimming.
If a broken wave approaches when the water is not too deep, dive down and run or crawl along the bottom. In deep water, do not use extra energy trying to reach the bottom; instead duckdive to just below the turbulence. Wait for the wash to pass and then push or kick to the surface (off the bottom, if possible).
Stick to your predetermined path on the swim out.
Check your position by occasionally raising your head for a quick look when swimming on top of a swell.
Body Surfing
Body surfing is riding waves without any equipment. You need skill to know how to catch the wave at the right time, using its energy for propulsion. The skills required to become a good body surfer come from just one thing: Practice.
Spilling waves are best for body surfing, but if you can catch a plunging wave you can avoid injury by somersaulting out before it breaks.
1. As the wave is almost upon you, push off the bottom or start swimming toward shore until you feel the wave begin to lift and carry you.
2. As the wave breaks, take a breath, put your head down and kick hard until your body breaks through. Your feet should be together, your back arched slightly and your arms extended in front of you. As the wave becomes steeper, tilt forward and surf along the wave's face.
3. You will probably have to paddle a bit to hold your position on the wave. Try to keep your body straight.
4. As you approach the beach, pull out of the wave by turning your body away from the wave's breaking force, or jackknife dive and let the wave pass over your body.
Jan 1st 2004 | 5:31 pm
#3
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,666
Better still..stay out of the water altogether...theres sharks in there you know!! :scared: :scared: :scared:
Jan 1st 2004 | 5:32 pm
#4
Banned
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 4,430
An old one but still good:
Out to sea you are required by law to wear life vests.
BUT if you manage to fall overboard / are swept out to sea without a life vest:
Tie up the cuffs of long trousers, fill the legs with air to make a float.
Out to sea you are required by law to wear life vests.
BUT if you manage to fall overboard / are swept out to sea without a life vest:
Tie up the cuffs of long trousers, fill the legs with air to make a float.
Jan 1st 2004 | 6:08 pm
#5
Thread Starter
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 11,149
Originally posted by podgypossum
Better still..stay out of the water altogether...theres sharks in there you know!! :scared: :scared: :scared:
Better still..stay out of the water altogether...theres sharks in there you know!! :scared: :scared: :scared:
PP Shark attacks are very rare and not a reason to stay out of the water.
Jan 1st 2004 | 6:19 pm
#6
Be true to your skew
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 373
From: Wanneroo, WA
Originally posted by bondipom
PP Shark attacks are very rare and not a reason to stay out of the water.
PP Shark attacks are very rare and not a reason to stay out of the water.
Jan 1st 2004 | 7:33 pm
#7
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,666
But what if you have a phobia?...like the same as flying or spiders....?
I need therapy..
I need therapy..
Jan 1st 2004 | 7:39 pm
#8
Thread Starter
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 11,149
Originally posted by podgypossum
But what if you have a phobia?...like the same as flying or spiders....?
I need therapy..
But what if you have a phobia?...like the same as flying or spiders....?
I need therapy..
Jan 1st 2004 | 7:42 pm
#9
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,666
ahhh... you mean i should wade out waist deep and hang around to see if one passes by so i can tentatively asked to shake fins with him??
Jan 1st 2004 | 7:48 pm
#10
Thread Starter
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 11,149
Originally posted by podgypossum
ahhh... you mean i should wade out waist deep and hang around to see if one passes by so i can tentatively asked to shake fins with him??
ahhh... you mean i should wade out waist deep and hang around to see if one passes by so i can tentatively asked to shake fins with him??
For exercise I suggest a swimming pool as ocean swimming is difficult unless the water is flat.
Jan 1st 2004 | 8:44 pm
#11
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 495
From: Perth
Cheers BP,
Just got back from a rip experience myself and wish I'd had your post so I could spot them.
It wasn't bad, just splashing in the surf but I left young 'un building a sand castle and went for a bit of a swim. Wasn't long before I damm near got swept away. Fortunately it wasn't that strong. Young 'un really panicked and was ever so nice to me for the rest of the day. BTW this was just before Quinns Rocks. Lovely beach all the same and the guards told me it was actually I really mild rip. Hate to think what a strong one is like as I never did finish me Charles Atlas course
Good advice read and understood.
Just got back from a rip experience myself and wish I'd had your post so I could spot them.
It wasn't bad, just splashing in the surf but I left young 'un building a sand castle and went for a bit of a swim. Wasn't long before I damm near got swept away. Fortunately it wasn't that strong. Young 'un really panicked and was ever so nice to me for the rest of the day. BTW this was just before Quinns Rocks. Lovely beach all the same and the guards told me it was actually I really mild rip. Hate to think what a strong one is like as I never did finish me Charles Atlas course
Good advice read and understood.
Jan 1st 2004 | 8:47 pm
#12
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,666
Underneath this podgy exterior is a primed athlete 
I was a county swimmer in my teens. I think i can cope with medium swell. Although not sure on osme windy days i've seen at hte beach.
I am only pulling your leg BP.... i admit i have slight misgivings but not as bad as i made out
I was a county swimmer in my teens. I think i can cope with medium swell. Although not sure on osme windy days i've seen at hte beach.
I am only pulling your leg BP.... i admit i have slight misgivings but not as bad as i made out
Jan 1st 2004 | 8:52 pm
#13
Thread Starter
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 11,149
Originally posted by Nibbs
Cheers BP,
Just got back from a rip experience myself and wish I'd had your post so I could spot them.
It wasn't bad, just splashing in the surf but I left young 'un building a sand castle and went for a bit of a swim. Wasn't long before I damm near got swept away. Fortunately it wasn't that strong. Young 'un really panicked and was ever so nice to me for the rest of the day. BTW this was just before Quinns Rocks. Lovely beach all the same and the guards told me it was actually I really mild rip. Hate to think what a strong one is like as I never did finish me Charles Atlas course
Good advice read and understood.
Cheers BP,
Just got back from a rip experience myself and wish I'd had your post so I could spot them.
It wasn't bad, just splashing in the surf but I left young 'un building a sand castle and went for a bit of a swim. Wasn't long before I damm near got swept away. Fortunately it wasn't that strong. Young 'un really panicked and was ever so nice to me for the rest of the day. BTW this was just before Quinns Rocks. Lovely beach all the same and the guards told me it was actually I really mild rip. Hate to think what a strong one is like as I never did finish me Charles Atlas course
Good advice read and understood.
I used to be blase about the rips but luckily have never been out of my depth. Over the last 14 months I have developed an enourmous respect and appreciation of the ocean. A rip is a surfers friend and I have been amazed at the speed I have paddled out to the break in a viscious rip. If I was swimming I would have been in serious :scared: .
Jan 1st 2004 | 9:00 pm
#14
Thread Starter
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 11,149
Originally posted by podgypossum
Underneath this podgy exterior is a primed athlete
I was a county swimmer in my teens. I think i can cope with medium swell. Although not sure on osme windy days i've seen at hte beach.
I am only pulling your leg BP.... i admit i have slight misgivings but not as bad as i made out
Underneath this podgy exterior is a primed athlete
I was a county swimmer in my teens. I think i can cope with medium swell. Although not sure on osme windy days i've seen at hte beach.
I am only pulling your leg BP.... i admit i have slight misgivings but not as bad as i made out
I am thinking of joining some kind of club to go Ocean swimming. You need to have company for safety. I tried swimming lengths of Bondi but the life guards got annoyed when I got out of the flags. I appreciate their work and decided it was better not to get them annoyed. I think the work they do is fantastic.
Jan 1st 2004 | 9:02 pm
#15
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,393
From: Mandurah WA
Really interesting and informative post BB. Thanks
Whisky
Whisky
