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Australia has great weather conditions to enjoy some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. Australia's climate varies throughout the country. There are four different seasons in most locations and a wet and dry season in the tropical north. It is important to plan and research temperatures and rainfall.
Here are some tips on how to stay safe and understand the common risks so you can enjoy your time in the sun.
The sun in Australia can be strong. It's important to know how to stay safe in the sun to reduce dehydration, sunburn and cancer risks.
To avoid damage from the hot sun:
If you experience sunburn:
For more tips, read the Skin Cancer Foundation’s blog on how to treat sunburn.
Lifeguards keep you safe on patrolled beaches. Beaches patrolled by lifeguards are the safest to swim. Look for the red and yellow flags.
If you don’t see any red or yellow flags, there aren’t any lifeguards on duty. This means you should avoid swimming at these beaches.
If you are at a non-patrolled beach, locate the Beach Emergency Number, which will be on a sign. This is a coding system to help if emergency services need to reach anyone at a beach.
You can find the nearest patrolled beaches by checking out the Beachsafe App.
Rip currents are where the water flows fast from the shore, towards the open sea. These are dangerous. They are one of the most common reasons for people to drown at an Australian beach.
To avoid being caught in a rip current:
If you are caught in a rip current:
Certain marine animals, such as jellyfish, can cause pain or a reaction if you touch them. They can be dangerous on the water, but also if they’ve washed up on the sand.
To avoid being hurt by marine animals:
If you are hurt by a marine animal such as a jellyfish: