HOT WEATHER SPARKS NEAR MISSES ON TASMANIAN BEACHES
Thursday 22 October 2026
Surf Life Saving Tasmania (SLST) is urging Tasmanians and visitors to take extra care around the water after the burst of warm weather this spring led to a number of near-drowning incidents in southern Tasmania.
With temperatures reaching 30 degrees in parts of the state today, many people headed to beaches, rivers and lakes before the official start of the patrol season on December 1, meaning locations are currently unpatrolled.
With similar conditions expected tomorrow, SLST is reminding everyone heading to the water to follow five simple steps:
Check the conditions before you go and when you arrive, and if in doubt, stay out.
Download the Beachsafe app to find beaches, current conditions and local hazards.
Never swim alone: Always swim with a friend or family member so someone can raise the alarm if you get into trouble.
Supervise children at all times: Stay within arm’s reach of young children in and around the water.
Be sun safe: Slip, slop, slap, seek and slide, stay hydrated and avoid the hottest part of the day.
Surf Life Saving Tasmania Lifesaving Services Manager, Ned Reardon said: "With today’s hot weather and public holiday in southern Tasmania, it’s no surprise that people headed to our beautiful beaches and waterways to cool off. We encourage everyone to get out and enjoy the water, but to do so safely so that everyone comes home.
"Today's near misses are a timely reminder that conditions can change quickly, and people need to take responsibility for their own safety and the safety of those around them. Before entering the water, reassess your swimming abilities, understand your limitations and check the conditions. We encourage everyone to use the Beachsafe app to plan their swim and never swim alone
"While our beach patrols haven’t started for the season, our emergency response teams across the state are rescue-ready and available for call-outs 365 days a year supporting Tasmania Police. However, we can't be everywhere all the time, which is why strong swimming and water safety skills, understanding your own capabilities and making safe decisions around the water are so important.
"We also continue to strengthen water safety across Tasmania through our community education programs and initiatives such as our newly installed Public Rescue Equipment, which provides bystanders with access to rescue equipment to assist in an emergency where it is safe to do so.
"Last season Tasmania recorded 10 drowning deaths, a 25% increase on our 10-year average. We don’t want to see a repeat of that this summer. Every one of these near misses could have ended very differently, and our message is simple: enjoy our beaches, rivers and waterways, look out for each other and make sure everyone comes home safely."
Download the Beachsafe app or visit beachsafe.org.au.
MEDIA CONTACT
For further media opportunities with Surf Life Saving Tasmania, please contact:
Olivia Silk | olivia.silk@btbconsulting.com.au | 0406 928 125
Ned Reardon | nreardon@slst.asn.au | 0488 400 996