Beach safety
National parks offer some of the most beautiful beaches in NSW. They are often wonderfully isolated: in some cases you'll have the beach almost to yourself, and you can swim, walk or relax away from the crowds. However, many national park beaches are not patrolled by lifeguards. When at the beach, it's important to take precautions, such as the following:
- At a beach that is patrolled by lifeguards, swim between the flags.
- At an unpatrolled beach, take care when swimming. Strong currents and dangerous rips (undertows) can occur even on still days. If surf beaches are too daunting, consider looking for a non-surf beach (e.g. on a bay).
- Don't go to isolated beaches alone and don't swim alone, especially at night.
- Be careful when walking on rocks: they can be very slippery, and a 'rogue' wave could wash you off.
- Avoid marine stingers. Don't swim if bluebottles (stinging jellyfish) are visible in the water, and don't touch any octopuses in rockpools (the deadly blue-ringed octopus is a particular danger. It can be difficult to identify because it only turns blue several minutes after being angered).
- Protect your skin by using sunscreen and wearing protective clothing and a hat.
Page last updated: 22 February 2008