Beaches | Backyard Swimming Pools | Young Children and Water Safety | Swimming Instructor Training | Inland waterways - Farms | Boating | Rockfishing

Beaches

Q: Where should I swim at the beach?
The red and yellow flags mark the safest part of the beach to swim, and it is also the area constantly under surveillance by the lifesavers/lifeguards.

Q: What are the conditions like?
If you have a question when at a patrolled beach, do not hesitate to ask the lifesaver/lifeguard. They are trained to help you.

Q: What is a rip?
A rip is a seaward-moving water current. After waves have broken and run to the shore, the accumulated water then moves away from the shore through a pathway of least resistance - usually the deepest point. This moving pathway is called a rip.

Q: Where do rips occur?
Rips occur along almost all stretches of beach and in and around rocks, breakwalls or any permanent fixture in the ocean. The larger the waves, the stronger and larger the rips. Most seaward-running rips normally end not far beyond the level of the breaking waves.

Q: What do I do if I get caught in a rip?
Side currents can cause people to be washed off swimming areas where waves break on sandbars. Staying calm is essential. Not swimming directly against the rip is important and strong swimmers only should swim at an angle across the rip. At patrolled beaches it is best to request assistance by raising a straight arm and calling out for help. Floating and conserving energy is important until help arrives.

Struggling against a rip is a quick way to exhaustion and a step closer to panic and tragedy.

Q: Who patrols beaches?
Volunteer lifesavers and professional lifeguards patrol beaches. Some beaches are patrolled by lifeguards all year round.

Professional lifeguards employed by Councils are paid to work 5-7 days each week on the majority of NSW popular beaches.  They are recognised as wearing long sleeved white shirts with blue collars and cuffs and the word "LIFEGUARD" in red block letters.  In some cases they wear other uniforms such as the red and yellow uniform which is much the same as the volunteer lifesavers. 

The volunteer lifesavers attend to lifesaving patrol duties on most weekends and public holidays during the swimming season.  Volunteer lifesavers are members of Surf Life Saving NSW.   In some areas, Councils engage Surf Life Saving Services, affiliated with Surf Life Saving NSW, to provide contracted lifeguard services to patrol beaches during the week.

For information on patrolled beaches contact Surf Life Saving NSW on (02) 9984 7188.

Q: What equipment do lifeguards use?
Lifeguards are trained in the use of a range of first aid and rescue equipment.
At the beach the lifeguard equipment could include: rescue boards, rescue tubes, neck braces, spinal boards, defibrillators, first aid kits, inflatable rescue boats, 2-way radios, trauma paks, quad cycles, 4WD response vehicles, personal water craft and rescue sleds, water safety signage and protective equipment.

Q: What signs are used at beaches?
Australian standard signs are used at beaches to provide information, warn people of hazards and to regulate particular activity. If unsure of what particular signs mean, then ask the duty lifeguard or lifesaver.

Q: How do I become a lifesaver?
Anyone from the age of seven can join a surf lifesaving club and learn the necessary skills to become an active surf lifesaver. If you wish to join, all you need to do is contact your nearest Surf Life Saving Club. In the summer months this can be done on a Saturday or Sunday, or by introducing yourself to the patrol. You can contact Surf Life Saving NSW during working hours on 02 9984 7188 or email experts@surflifesaving.com.au for more information.

Q: How do I become a lifeguard?
A number of Coastal Councils employ lifeguards to manage safety on our beaches.  The Australian Professional Ocean Lifeguard Association (APOLA) conducts courses for accreditation as professional lifeguards.  Contact APOLA for further information. 

Also, Surf Life Saving Services employs lifeguards with essential qualifications including a SLSA Gold Medallion.  Contact Surf Lifesaving NSW for more information.

Backyard Swimming Pools

Q: Do I need a pool fence?
This depends on when your pool was built. If your pool was built before 1 August 1990 then you do not have to have a swimming pool fence as such, but the pool MUST be isolated from access from the street or from adjoining properties. The pool does not have to be separated from any residential building on the land provided the means of access from the building to the pool is restricted at all times. If your pool was built after 1 August 1990, then you are required to have a child resistant pool fence that complies with Australian Standard 1926-1986 “Fences and Gates for Swimming Pools”. You should contact your council for further information on these standards.

Q: What are my responsibilities if I am a tenant in a property on which there is a swimming pool?
Under the Residential Tenancies Act 1987, it is usually the landlord’s responsibility for providing and maintaining the premises in a reasonable state of repair, however the tenant is not to intentionally or negligently damage the premises and the tenant must notify the landlord of any damage.

Q: What is my local council’s role in relation to swimming pool fencing?
Your local council is responsible for the enforcement of the Swimming Pools Act 1992 and can advise on the standards required. Councils can grant exemptions from the requirements of the Act in certain circumstances. There is a right of appeal against a refusal to grant an exemption. For further information, contact your local council.

Q: I have a backyard swimming pool. What are some of the safety issues I need to consider.
Owning and operating a home pool or spa is in some respects no different from running a public pool. You are still aiming to provide a safe, clean environment for your family and friends. The major issue for you as a pool owner is children – your own, your friends and your neighbours. If you own a pool you should consider the following safety issues:

• Have you ever practised dealing with a mock injury?
• Do you have a regular maintenance plan for your pool plant (pumps and filters)?
• Do you know what practises you would adopt in the case of a minor aquatic emergency (lack of water clarity, chemical irregularities)?
• Do you know what procedures you would adopt in the case of a major emergency (near drowning, spinal injury, chemical spill)?
• Do you have any rescue equipment such as rescue poles or rescue tubes?
• Is the rescue equipment in easy reach and in good order?
• Do you keep electrical equipment away from the pool?
• Are all power outlets or the main circuit fitted with earth leakage protection?

Q: What are some of the things I need to consider when dealing with pool chemicals?
In order to maintain your pool at the standard of cleanliness to prevent infections and disease you will need to sanitise the water. In most home pools this is done using a pump, a series of filters and chemical treatment of the water. There are a number of simple safety issues you should remember when using and handling chemicals, these include:

• Keep pool chemicals away from fertilisers and petroleum products. They may explode.
• Use only clean, dry and impervious scoops (not wood) when transferring chemicals.
• Water should not be poured over chemicals, pour the chemicals into water.
• Do you know what your local government health regulations recommend as safe levels for swimming pool water?
• How regularly do you monitor the clarity and quality of your pool water?
• Are chemicals stored out of reach of children?
• Are your chemicals stored in a cool dry area away from sunlight?
• Do you use protective equipment (gloves and eyewear) when handling pool chemicals?

If your pool fails a water test at any stage DO NOT allow anyone to swim in it until it is corrected.

Young Children and Water Safety

Q: Do I need to supervise my child in the pool constantly?
YES
Tragically, many drownings happen in the few seconds that parents are distracted. Supervision means your child is being continually watched by you or an appropriate adult.
Supervision should be constant, not the occasional glance whilst you read a book or relax. Regardless of what you are doing, always keep watch when children are in, on or around water. Take your child with you whenever you leave the swimming pool or bathtub. Never under any circumstances leave them alone!
Create a checklist:

• Is your child being supervised?
• Have you emptied the bathtub?
• Is the lid on the nappy bucket?
• Can your child gain access to the pool or spa?
• Have you checked for other water dangers such as open drains, garden ponds, creeks or dams?

Q: Why do I need to learn resuscitation?
A child’s life may be saved if the parents or carers have the proper knowledge and skills to rescue and resuscitate quickly and confidently. There are a number of recognised providers of resuscitation courses.
The Royal Life Saving Society conducts resuscitation courses and also sells resuscitation posters. These posters should be openly displayed in a prominent position by your pool. For course details or resuscitation posters contact the Society on (02) 9879 4699.

Q: What is the right age for my child to begin water familiarisation courses?
It is recommended that young children can begin water familiarisation programs from 6 months of age. The water temperature should be at least 30 degrees with air temperature ideally higher (therefore indoor facility).

Q: Should my child use floatation aides?
The use of flotation aides should only be used where appropriate. The child should not create a dependency on the flotation aide. Children should be able to master the water environment on their own. Flotation aides are no substitute for constant supervision when infants and children are in the water.

Swimming Instructor Training

Q: How do I become a swimming instructor?
You need to complete a recognised course to be accredited as a swimming instructor. This involves the completion of a core theory course (1 day course or CD ROM) and an elective course (2 day course). Upon completion of this you must sit an exam/or complete an assignment, complete a nominal 20 hours of teaching experience and have an assessment of your teaching competence via a half hour lesson with at least 4 children in the lesson. In addition, swimming instructors must complete a Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation certificate to obtain their swimming instructor certificate.

More information can be obtained from AUSTSWIM by calling 1300 130 675

Q: Are there any requirements to begin swimming instructor training?
To enrol in a course you must be 16 years of age or older. To be issued with your AUSTSWIM Swimming Instructor certificate you must be at least 17 years of age. You need a reasonable level of fitness and swimming ability. No other certifications are required prior to commencement of swimming instructor training.

Q: Is it important for my children to be taught by qualified instructors?
The AUSTSWIM qualification gives you peace of mind that your instructor has done specific teacher training from a recognised provider. This will assist in ensuring that they are following recognised learning strategies based upon your child's age and development.

Inland waterways - Farms

Q: Who drowns on Australian farms?
Whilst people of all ages drown on Australian farms, generally it is children (aged less than 15). The highest risk category are children aged less than 5.

Q: Where on farms do people drown?
Drowning deaths on farms most commonly occur in dams, water reservoirs and irrigation channels, as well as in creeks and rivers. There have also been cases recorded where young children have drowned in stock troughs, uncovered sewerage and effluent ponds, wells, and an uncovered posthole after a period of rain.

Q: How can I prevent people from drowning on my farm?
30% of toddler drownings occur in lakes, rivers and dams. You can restrict your child’s access to these dangers by creating a “Child Safe Area” in and around your home. Remember dams are dangerous.
The best way to reduce the risk of drowning on a farm is to isolate children from water sources. The most effective method of achieving this is through parental supervision/childcare and the creation of safe play areas that isolate the child from hazards. Non-open bodies of water such as tanks, troughs and sewerage should be covered and isolated, open bodies of water such as dams may be fenced off. Older children should be enrolled in swimming lessons and have rules set that do not allow them to go near water hazards.
All pools on the farm should be fenced according to the pool fencing standards.

Boating

Q: When and why should I check the weather conditions before I go out boating?
A thorough check of weather conditions is vital every time one goes boating. This includes having an appreciation of how the conditions may change throughout the day. A forecast change in weather for example may result in relatively calm conditions in the morning turning into potentially dangerous conditions in the afternoon.

Make sure your vessel is appropriate for the conditions and that you have the necessary experience to handle the forecast conditions. Remember if in doubt, don’t go out.

Q: I’ve been boating for years and can swim OK, do I still need to wear a life jacket?
Life jackets or PFDs are an important safety item on any boat and there should be one on board for each person, and Waterways recommends that children and poor swimmers wear one at all times when afloat.
Make sure that your life jacket is in good condition, accessible and ready for use because a life jacket stowed under an anchor chain will not do the job it was designed for and that is to help save a life.

Q: Is it OK to have a few beers when out on the water in a boat?
The combination of wind waves and weather can multiply the effects of alcohol and collectively are known as ‘boater fatigue’. Persons with ‘boater fatigue’ are at a greater risk of drowning should they fall into the water and that goes equally for skipper, crew or passenger.

The blood alcohol limits are the same on the water as on our roads. A person in charge of a vessel must keep under the 0.05 blood alcohol limit and for commercial vessel operators and persons under the age of 18, the lower blood alcohol limit of 0.02 applies.

Rockfishing

Q: Is rockfishing safe?
Rock fishing is probably the most dangerous sport in Australia. Every year people are killed when rock fishing in NSW. If you want to rockfish, learn how to minimise the risks.

Q: How can I reduce the risks of rock fishing?
The three main ways to reduce the risks of rock fishing are:
1) check and understand the weather conditions and tides before you leave home
2) never fish alone
3) wear the right fishing gear.

Q: What is the best type of gear to wear when rock fishing?
Wear gear that stops you from slipping into the water or reduces problems if you do go into the surf.
Wear shoes with non-slip soles or cleats. Rock plates or cleats are essential on wet, weedy rocks. Wear lightweight clothing and a flotation jacket, so that if you’re swept off rocks, you are buoyant and your clothes don’t drag you down. Also, wear head protection. Evidence suggests that many people who have drowned received some sort of head injury.

Q: How do I know if a spot is safe for rock fishing?
No place is perfectly safe for rock fishing. To minimise risks, fish only with others in places where experienced anglers go. Spend at least half an hour watching the wind and wave action before deciding whether a place is suitable. Think - what will your fishing spot be like in a few hours time with different tides and weather?

Q: Do I need a fishing licence when rock fishing?
If you’re over 18 and not a pensioner, you need a licence to fish in NSW. This includes rock fishing and collecting bait. You can buy your licence from hundreds of local agents (bait and tackle shops, caravan parks, general stores and service stations); on the internet at www.fisheries.nsw.gov.au or by phoning 1300 550 474 (Australia only).

Q: I do enjoy collecting abalone, oysters or other molluscs off the rocks. Is this as dangerous as rock fishing?
Whenever you’re on coastal rocks where waves can sweep you into the water, you should follow the same practical guidelines to keep safe – know and understand the weather conditions and tides, don’t go alone, and wear the right gear, especially non-slip shoes. And remember you need a fishing licence when collecting any marine creatures, even by hand.

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