How to keep safe from Australia’s beach hazards

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 average 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.

Australia has almost 12,000 beaches. Less than five per cent are patrolled by lifeguards or surf lifesavers.

On average only one fatal shark attack is reported every 12 months, compared to an average of 122 coastal drowning deaths in the same period. Many of these are due to rip currents.

Rips are powerful water channels that flow in the opposite direction to the waves, pulling you away from the beach and out to sea.