Health & safety
Essential tips for enjoying Australia
Australia is a land of incredible natural beauty, but its unique environment can also present risks. Here are some key health and safety tips to ensure you and your loved ones have a safe and enjoyable experience.
Swim between the red and yellow flags
Always swim between the red and yellow flags at the beach—this area is patrolled by lifeguards and is the safest place to enjoy the water. It’s important to identify safe swimming zones, marked by red and yellow flags on Australian beaches.
Attribution (CC BY 2.0).
This photo shows a red and yellow beach flag, a key marker found in Australia to help you identify safe swimming areas.
Attribution-ShareAlike (CC BY-SA 2.0).
This photo highlights the red and yellow flags that designate the safest swimming zones, ensuring lifeguards are nearby to assist if needed.
Water safety
Supervise children near water
- Always watch children closely near water, whether at the beach, pool, or elsewhere.
- Teach them water safety rules and never leave them unattended.
Dangers of coastline rocks
- Rugged coastlines are beautiful but risky.
- Stay vigilant, as rogue waves can sweep people off rocks.
General tips
- Avoid bluebottles; their stings are painful.
- Be cautious—water depth can be deceptive, and diving into shallow areas risks serious injury.
Understanding rip currents
Rip currents are one of the most common hazards at Australian beaches and are responsible for many drownings. These strong currents pull swimmers away from the shore and can be dangerous if you don’t know how to respond. Learn to identify rip currents before entering the water.
If caught in a rip:
- Don’t swim against it. You’ll tire quickly.
- Swim parallel to the shore to escape the current.
- Once clear, return to the flagged area.
If you need help:
- Float.
- Stay calm.
- Signal for help.
For more beach safety tips, visit Royal Lifesaving Australia, or ask a lifeguard at the beach if you’re unsure.
Be sun-smart
Remember to wear a big hat, long-sleeves and sunscreen, even on cloudy days, as UV levels in Australia can still be dangerously high. Being closer to the equator means greater sun exposure, which increases the risk of skin cancer. Protecting your skin not only reduces this risk but also helps maintain its long-term health and condition. Regularly perform skin checks for early detection, as prevention and prompt action are vital.
For more information on how to protect your skin, visit the Cancer Council website.
Stay safe on the road
Take a Driver Reviver break
Hitting the open road is one of the highlights of any journey, but staying alert to the risks of driver fatigue is crucial. Fatigue is a leading cause of accidents on Australia’s iconic long highways.
Driver fatigue isn’t just about feeling sleepy—it can result from mental or physical exhaustion, which reduces your concentration and alertness. This slows your reaction time, and on the road, every second counts.
A split-second delay can mean the difference between safely managing a situation or being involved in an accident. Microsleeps—brief, unintentional lapses in attention—can be fatal.
Make it a habit to check in with yourself or your driver regularly. Remember, you’re not just responsible for your own driving—you also need to react to the actions of others on the road.
Take a break, recharge, and enjoy a Bushall’s coffee or tea and Arnott’s biscuits at a Driver Reviver stop. Plan ahead by checking Driver Reviver locations online or simply pull in when you see the signs along your route. Highways also feature plenty of rest stops where you can stretch your legs, use the facilities, and refocus.
For more tips on road safety and responsible driving, visit the NSW Government’s Towards Zero initiative. Let’s work together to make every journey a safe one.
Hiking safety tips
Exploring Australia’s stunning trails is an incredible experience, but staying safe is essential.
- Inform someone of your plans: Let a trusted person know where you’re going and when you expect to return.
- Stick to the trail: Always stay on marked bush tracks to avoid getting lost or encountering unexpected hazards.
- Hike with company: It’s safer to hike in groups or with at least one other person.
- Pack essentials: Bring enough food and water to sustain you during your hike.
If you’re looking for more adventure, consider joining an outdoor club, a Meetup group, or going with a tour group. These options allow you to connect with like-minded explorers and discover new trails together.
Enjoy Australia’s natural wonders safely.