1. Always swim between the red and yellow flags
When you see red and yellow flags on a beach it indicates that there is currently a lifesaving service operating on that beach.![red and yellow flags](https://sbs-au-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com/drupal/yourlanguage/public/2_between_the_flags_by_mike_hauser_cc_by_2.0.jpg?imwidth=1280)
![red and yellow flags](https://sbs-au-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com/drupal/yourlanguage/public/2_between_the_flags_by_mike_hauser_cc_by_2.0.jpg?imwidth=1280)
Source: Mark Gunter
2. Read the safety signs
Before you go on to the beach be sure to read the safety signs.![danger signs](https://sbs-au-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com/drupal/yourlanguage/public/3_safety_sign_by_waverly_council.jpg?imwidth=1280)
![danger signs](https://sbs-au-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com/drupal/yourlanguage/public/3_safety_sign_by_waverly_council.jpg?imwidth=1280)
Source: waverly council
3. Ask a lifeguard for safety advice
Lifeguards are highly trained and very knowledgeable about beach safety and conditions.![lifeguards](https://sbs-au-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com/drupal/yourlanguage/public/4_aus_lifeguards_aap.jpg?imwidth=1280)
![lifeguards](https://sbs-au-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com/drupal/yourlanguage/public/4_aus_lifeguards_aap.jpg?imwidth=1280)
Source: AAP
4. Swim with a friend
While you are swimming together you can keep an eye out for each other.![friends](https://sbs-au-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com/drupal/yourlanguage/public/5_swim_with_friends_by_tricia_cc_by_2.0.jpg?imwidth=1280)
![friends](https://sbs-au-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com/drupal/yourlanguage/public/5_swim_with_friends_by_tricia_cc_by_2.0.jpg?imwidth=1280)
Source: Tricia CC BY 2.0
5. If you need help, stay calm and attract attention
If you require a lifeguard’s assistance to get back to shore, stay calm, raise your arm in the air and wave it from side to side.
And of course, don't forget to:
![currents](https://sbs-au-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com/drupal/yourlanguage/public/6_rip_currents_by_beachsafe.jpg?imwidth=1280)
Source: beachsafe.org
6. Slip, Slop, Slap
'SLIP on a T-Shirt, SLOP on some sunscreen and SLAP on a hat' is the famous advice that has long been recommended by the for staying sun-safe at the beach.
These days, they've extended the advice further to be include SEEK shade and SLIDE on some sunglasses.