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Swimmers should be aware of the various types of waves and tides to help ensure they enjoy the beach more safely. When large surf or other dangerous conditions affect the coastline, Surf Life Saving will generally send out
a warning asking beach goers to ensure they stay only in patrolled swimming areas.
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SURGING WAVES
Surging waves may never actually break as
they approach the water’s edge, as the water
below them is very deep.
These waves are
very dangerous as they can knock swimmers
over and drag them back into deep water. |
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SPILLING WAVES
Spilling waves usually have less force and are the safest for body surfing.
They are usually found in sheltered bays where the sea floor slopes
gradually and near sandbanks at high tide. |
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PLUNGING or DUMPING WAVES
These waves break suddenly and can throw you to the bottom with great
force. Plunging or dumping waves also cause rip currents to form.
These
waves usually occur at low tide and where sandbanks are shallow and
can cause injuries to swimmers, particularly spinal and head injuries. Never try and bodysurf on a dumping wave! |
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LARGE SURF
Tips for Large Surf Conditions:
- Always swim between the red and yellow flags.
- If the red flag is displayed, the beach is
closed for swimmers.
- Swimmers should avoid creek and river
mouths as currents are often stronger when large surf is running.
- Only experienced board riders should go
out in these conditions.
- Surfers should always surf with a partner.
Safety Warning:
- When the surf increases it is a timely reminder for people to continue
to keep their safety in mind.
- When very large surf pounds the coast it is vital that anyone heading to
the coast remembers to swim only in patrolled areas.
- It is so important that people heed this safety warning, and if beaches
are closed to stay out of the water and listen to the advice of the surf
lifesavers and lifeguards.
- If the beaches are closed, a red flag will fly
and lifesavers will remain on the beach to encourage people to stay out
of the water.
- When the surf increases, particularly when cyclone activity is present off Australia, board riders are also very keen to enjoy the conditions.
- Board riders of course cannot go in patrolled areas, so we urge only experienced riders to take on the surf and always stay with a friend
and near a patrolled location.
- When the surf conditions are dangerous, it is also important that
people stay away from river mouths and estuaries where strong
currents can be present.
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RIP TIDES
Spotting Rips-Identifying a rip can be very difficult. Common signs:
- Murky brown water, caused by sand stirred up by water movement.
- Foam on the surface and extending beyond the break.
- Waves breaking on both sides of the rip, but not inside the rip.
- A choppy, rippled effect on the surface of the water.
- Water often appears darker, indicating deeper water.
What do do if caught in a RIP-Obey the three ‘R’s’:
RELAX:
Stay calm and float, do not swim against
the current swim across it.
RAISE: Raise an arm to signal for help.
RESCUE: Float and wait for assistance.
Do not panic - people drown in rips
because they panic. Obey directions
from the rescuer. |
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KING TIDES
What are King Tides?
- The king tides cause large movements of water and generally add
to the unstable conditions.
- Large surf and dangerous rips usually present on all
open stretches of beach.
- Areas most dangerous during these
conditions are beaches affected by river systems, such as Maroochydore, Caloundra,
Noosa, Tallebudgera, and Currumbin.
- Beaches that do not have river mouths
close by remain unstable when the large
swell pushes through, causing large flash rips to appear on the beaches.
- Rips are intensified in the outgoing tide, and with the influence of the king tides, rips are
more severe.
Safety Warning:
- It is vital that people do not become complacent in the surf during
king tide conditions.
- During king tides it is so important for people to swim only in patrolled
areas, and not be tempted to go for a swim at an unpatrolled beach.
- With the king tides present, it is also important to show extreme caution
at beaches that have river mouths nearby. It only takes a few seconds for
a current to sweep a swimmer into deeper water and get into trouble.
- If swimmers do get into trouble in a current, they should remain calm,
fl oat out with the current, and then swim across the current parallel to
shore, before swimming back to the beach. They should also raise one
arm to signal for help from a lifesaver or lifeguard on patrol.
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