Only swim at patrolled beaches (a beach where there are lifeguards on duty) and always swim between the red and yellow flags where lifeguards can see you. Many Australian beaches have 'rips'.
When we think of Australian beaches, sharks often come to mind. On average one fatal attack is reported each year, but in the same period we averaged 122 coastal drowning deaths, with 25 per cent due to dangerous rip currents. Knowing where and when to swim is the best defence against these beach hazards.
It's best to swim, dive or surf with other people. Avoid swimming and surfing at dawn, dusk and night – sharks can see you but you can't see them. Keep away from murky, dirty water, and waters with known effluents or sewage.
Where Is It Safe to Swim? Swimming in lakes, rivers and oceans can be safe and fun at a designated swimming area that is protected by lifeguards. However, if these elements are not in place, always assume that any natural body of water is too dangerous for swimming.
The Australian surf is very dangerous and conditions are markedly different to those you may have experienced in the UK or Europe. You're 20 times more likely to drown on Australia's beaches than be bitten by a shark. The Australian surf is powerful and unpredictable.
Burleigh Heads, In Queensland
This Gold Coast beach is possibly the most patrolled beach in Australia. It gains heavy foot track of those wanting to catch a few waves or even walk the various walking tracks near the beach. This is a very popular beach with many visitors using it daily for both surfing and swimming.
Lake Victoria, Tanzania and Uganda
Lake Victoria is referred to as the "world's most dangerous lake." Don't let the calm water fool you; more than 5,000 people die in the waters every year.
Swimming in an ocean is dangerous, honestly. Drowning is one of the biggest consequences of swimming out there and it even happens to experienced swimmers. You can also hurt yourself if you crash into a rock, step on sharp seashells, get stung by a jelly, get swept away by waves if there is a rip current, etc.
To put it simply, yes, but only in designated areas. While beaches can stretch for kilometres in Australia, local and federal laws limit beach camping to designated areas. This is so campers can be safely monitored should an emergency occur.
It used to be illegal to swim on beaches
While on the topic of beaches, in 1838 it was declared illegal to swim at public beaches in New South Wales. Beach lovers had to take the risk and swim after dark to get their salt water hit.
Throughout the 1800s it was illegal to swim at Sydney beaches during the day. This was because people believed it was wrong to be seen in little or no clothing in public spaces. People could swim only in the early morning and late evening, and men and women could never bathe together.
1. Canberra – Australia's Capital City. Nestled between Sydney and Melbourne, Canberra is not only the capital but also Australia's safest city. With a low crime rate and a small-town vibe, Canberra offers an attractive blend of city living and peaceful suburban life.
On average, rip currents are responsible for at least 21 drownings deaths in Australia each year. In addition, lifeguards perform countless rescues each and every year to assist swimmers who have been caught in rip currents. There are many myths about the ocean, but rips are the number one hazard on Australian beaches.
According to a new study, Australian beaches have seen a significant reduction in plastic pollution over the last 6 years. Plastic waste across the beaches, shorelines and coastlines of Australia has decreased quite a bit! It decreased by around a third or 29 per cent.
To reduce your risk, don't swim too far from shore, stay in groups, avoid being in the water during darkness or twilight, don't go in the water if you are bleeding from a wound, leave shiny jewelry at home, and avoid brightly colored swimwear.
More dangerous than either chlorine or pool germs are peak sun hours. You're not shaded when submerged; instead, water can magnify rays, making swimming outdoors at midday a skin cancer risk. Take your dip before 10 A.M. or after 4 P.M. if you can, and block up.
Rip currents
Considered the biggest threat to swimmers, these powerful, channeled water currents flow away from the shore and can swiftly drag unsuspecting swimmers farther out to sea. “Rip currents are present whenever there are waves pushing sand and water up on the beach,” said Dr.
The Great Blue Hole, Belize
This massive ocean hole that is 984 feet wide and 410 feet deep is not only the world's deepest underwater sinkhole, but it is also one of the most dangerous.
Queensland's beaches are great places to swim and surf, but be aware that sharks inhabit our coastline as well as estuaries, rivers, creeks, canals and streams. We recommend you swim between the flags at patrolled beaches that have shark control equipment in place.
Patrol information: Patrolled 7 days year round. Always check with lifeguards for the latest beach conditions. Water quality is often unsuitable for swimming. Before swimming during dry weather, ensure the water is free from signs of pollution such as discoloured water, odour and floating debris.
The NSW Government's Shark Meshing (Bather Protection) Program includes 51 beaches between Newcastle and Wollongong. These beaches are netted by contractors using specially designed meshing nets to reduce the chances of shark encounters. The nets do not create a total barrier between swimmers and sharks.