Kingscliff Summer Beach and Surf Safety

Kingscliff Summer Beach and Surf Safety

We’ve searched high and low to find you the best tips for Kingscliff Summer, Beach and Surf Safety.  We know summer is coming.  We know that many of us have already planned that beach getaway.  The sun is already out and shining here on the Tweed Coast (including Kingscliff), so from now is the perfect time for thinking about staying safe on holidays.

Many people will be traveling to the Tweed Coast. With more than 37 km of unspoilt coastline, a subtropical climate and charming seaside towns of Kingscliff, Casuarina and Cabarita Beach, The Tweed is a haven for holiday-makers from now right through until Easter next year – many with children and family in tow.  In an effort to ensure that we all stay safe, read on for the best summer, beach and surf safety tips.

Of course – we should have realised from the get-go that the experts are our own Surf Life Saving Australia, so below are their great tips on  how to stay summer, beach and surf safe this summer.  Yes, this is a little early for the summer tips but a little forward planning (particularly when deciding what to pack for your holidays) can help reduce your risk of injury on holidays.

So, thanks Surf Life Saving Australia – your tips are great!

Tips to make your day at the beach even safer

Swim between the red and yellow flags at the beach. The red and yellow flags indicate the safest place to swim when lifeguards and lifesavers patrol beaches.

• Always swim or surf at places patrolled by lifesavers or lifeguards. (Kingscliff Beach, Kingscliff-Salt, Cabarita Beach)
• Always swim under supervision.
• Read and obey the signs.
• If you are unsure of surf conditions, ask a lifeguard or lifesaver.
• Don’t swim directly after a meal.
• Don’t swim under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Always check the depth of the water.
• Never run or dive in the water. Even if you have checked the depth, water conditions can change.
• If you get into trouble in the water, stay calm. Signal for help, by holding up one arm and waving, float and wait for assistance.
• Use 30+ sunscreen and wear a shirt and hat. Remember to reapply sunscreen after swimming.
• Learn how to spot a rip and keep clear of it. A rip can be recognised by sand coloured or rippled water running out to sea when 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.
• Keep the beach clean, put your rubbish in a bin and keep off the duned areas. They are there to preserve the beach environment.

Sun Safety

• Apply sunscreen at least 15 minutes before going into the sun and reapply regularly, particularly after swimming; Use a broad spectrum sunscreen (minimum 30+)
• Protect yourself at all times – SLIP, SLOP, SLAP – (put on a shirt, put on some sunscreen and put on a hat)  (Note: later recommendations also say to consider sunglasses too)
• Note: In Australia the sunlight is so strong that even when you are using a SPF high-rated sunscreen, you will still develop a tan.

Prevention of Dehydration

• Where possible avoid strenuous exercise during hot weather
• In the 30 minutes before exercise in the heat, drink at least 500mL of water
• During normal activities maintain adequate fluid intake (non-alcohol, non-caffeine)

Beaches – frequently asked questions

Q: Where is the safest place to swim at beaches?

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 safe 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.

For a copy of the Rip Current Poster, a video overview on rips and more safety tips click here. 

Other Activities and fun things to do

If you are planning a longer holiday and looking for other things to do in the region, read our recent blogs:

Lisa’s top things to do in Kingscliff NSW; and
Pete’s top things to do in Kingscliff NSW

written by locals Lisa and Pete, they give a unique and locals-own perspective on fun activities and places to go in our area.

As always with our advice, please check all this information and opportunities out for yourself.  We have prepared this for you with the best of intentions and in the hope it can be a starting point for a truly memorable, safe summer holiday for you, your family and your guests.

Happy holidays – dream about what is possible; believe you can do it; make the most of your annual leave; plan, book and enjoy your holiday; then dream about where you will go next!  It is your turn!

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Until next time – enjoy your day wherever you are from La Maison Pacifique “The Peaceful House” and your boutique designer luxury holiday home vacation rental in Casuarina, New South Wales, Australia – half way between the Gold Coast QLD and Byron Bay NSW, Australia.

Di Hendy
Property Consultant
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