Byron Bay Safety Information

Enjoy outdoor activities without the risk of sun damage by wearing a broad-brimmed hat, a shirt with collar and sleeves, and sunscreen on exposed skin.

Remember to reapply sunscreen after swimming. Try to avoid staying outdoors during the middle of the day.

• Always swim or surf at patrolled beaches.
• Always swim between the red and yellow flags.
• Always swim under supervision.
• Read and obey the signs.
• If you are unsure of surf conditions, ask a lifeguard.
• Do not venture out far if swimming in a yellow flagged area. Yellow flags stand for 'Caution'.
• Do not swim alone or at beaches that are not patrolled by lifesavers.
• Do not swim immediately after a meal.
• Do not swim under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Do not swim if the beach is closed. Red flags will indicate 'Danger'.
• Never run or dive in the water, even if you have checked before, as water conditions can change.
• If you get into trouble in the water, stay calm. Raise one arm to signal for help, float and wait for lifeguard assistance.
• Learn how to spot a rip and keep clear of it. A rip can be spotted by the presence of sand-coloured or rippled water moving out to sea where the water on either side is generally cleaner. The waves may also be larger and breaking further out to sea on both sides of the rip.
• If you are caught in a rip, stay calm and raise one arm to signal for help, or swim diagonally across the rip rather than struggling against it.
• Keep the beach clean, put your rubbish in a bin and keep off the duned areas. They are there to preserve the beach environment.