Planning a visit to the beach? Check out BeachSafe.

Staying safe at the beach

Two lifeguards in yellow uniforms with red accents standing on the sandy beach facing the ocean, which has gentle waves and a partly cloudy sky above.

Reducing Risk

Tasmania’s coastline is beautiful, diverse and sometimes unpredictable. Surf Life Saving Tasmania works with surf life saving clubs, lifeguards, government, councils, schools, emergency services and local communities to help people enjoy the coast safely.

Through lifesaving services, community education, coastal risk management, search and rescue and flood and swiftwater rescue response, we work to reduce risk in, on and around the water.

Get Involved

Stay safe on the coast

Whether you’re at the beach, on the rocks, on the water or exploring inland waterways, following simple safety steps can help prevent incidents. Surf Life Saving Tasmania encourages everyone to:

  • Check conditions before you go

  • Choose a patrolled beach where possible

  • Swim between the red and yellow flags

  • Read and follow safety signage

  • Ask a lifesaver or lifeguard for advice

  • Supervise children closely around water

  • Know your limits and avoid unnecessary risks

A beach scene with sandy shore, green vegetation, waves crashing, and a large hill covered in trees under a cloudy sky.
A sandy beach with grassy dunes in the foreground, colorful umbrellas and lounge chairs along the shoreline, calm blue ocean waves, and a green hilly island in the distance under a clear blue sky.

Our Top Safety Tips

  • A black diagram of a swimmer between two flags.

    Swim Between the Red and Yellow Flags

  • A black diagram of a swimmer in rough sea.

    Read the Safety Signs

  • A black diagram of a male and female wearing a red and yellow cap.

    Ask a Lifeguard for Safety Advice

  • A black diagram of a man and a woman standing side by side.

    Swim with a Friend

  • A black diagram of a swimmer in waves waving one hand in the air.

    If You Need Help, Stay Calm and Attract Attention

In an emergency

If you or someone else is in danger, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.