Noosa Beaches

The range of beaches on the Sunshine Coast is terrific.

 Some are open water, surf beaches like Noosa Main (pictured above), Sunrise and Peregian Beaches.

 We also have shaded and calmer waters of Little Cove at Noosa Heads (pictured above), Mooloolaba Spit and
Golden Beach which are perfect for kids.

Always ensure the beach you are swimming at is patrolled and swim between the red and yellow flags.
Be aware of conditions and if in doubt, visit the local surf club for some advice on the best place to swim that day.

Beach conditions can change quickly, so read warning signs to avoid hazards and ALWAYS supervise children near the water.

BEACH SAFETY

Pay attention to the surf lifesaving signage, if you are not sure what it means, ask a friendly lifesaver, they wear a distinct yellow and red shirt, so you can pick them out of the crowd easily. If they aren’t near the water, there may be a tower or a vehicle located at a higher point, so they can view the swimmers easily.

 Wear sun safety garments (rash / sun shirts) and sunscreen.

FLAGS

The bright flags on our beaches are not for decoration.

They are the Surf Lifesavers way of communicating with swimmers and surfers.

Interpreting the Flags

Red and Yellow flag - The flags with red on top and yellow on the bottom indicate the safest swimming area. These are usually supervised by our volunteer life savers.

Yellow Flags -Yellow Flags designate a warning that swimming is potentially dangerous.

Red Flags - Red flags are usually crossed. Beaches are closed when the Red Flags are displayed.  

Blue Flags - Blue flags indicate an Aquatic Activity Boundary. This will often be used for board riding areas, such as surfers.

Red and White Chequered - Red and White Chequered flags indicate EVACUATION - a dangerous element is present, e.g. shark sighting etc.

SOME EXTRA ADVICE FROM SURF LIFESAVING AUSTRALIA

Understanding the ocean is very important - the more you know about how waves, wind and tides affect conditions in the water, the better able you are to keep yourself safe, or even rescue others, from danger. Recognising danger signs and awareness of surf conditions is an essential part of lifesaving.

Remember the F-L-A-G-S and stay safe . . . . . .

F Find the flags and swim between them - the red and yellow flags mark the safest place to swim at the beach.

L Look at the safety signs - they help you identify potential dangers and daily conditions at the beach.

A Ask a surf lifesaver for some good advice - surf conditions can change quickly so talk to a surf lifesaver or lifeguard before entering the water.

G Get a friend to swim with you - so you can look out for each other's safety and get help if needed. Children should always be supervised by an adult.

S Stick your hand up for help - if you get into trouble in the water, stay calm, raise your arm to signal for help. Float with a current or rip - don't try and swim against it.

And remember - never:

Never swim at unpatrolled beaches
Never ever swim at night
Never swim under the influence of alcohol
Never run and dive into the water
Never swim directly after a meal

Click here to find more information about safety on our beautiful beaches.
http://www.slsa.com.au/default.aspx?s=factsheets