Surf Life Saving's Ten Surf Safety Hints
- Always swim or surf at places patrolled by Surf Lifesavers or Lifeguards.
- Swim between the red and yellow flags. They mark the safest area to swim.
- Always swim under supervision or with a friend.
- Read and obey the signs.
- Don’t swim under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- If you are unsure of surf conditions ask a Surf Lifesaver or a Lifeguard.
- Never run and dive into the water. Even if you have checked, conditions can change.
- If you get into trouble in the water, don’t panic. Raise your arm for help, float, and wait for assistance.
- Float with a current or undertow. Stay calm. Don’t try to swim against it. Signal for help and wait for assistance.
- Always remember to protect yourself from the sun:
SLIP, SLOP, SLAP and WRAP. Slip on a t-shirt, slop on 30+ sunscreen, slap on a broad-brimmed hat and wrap on a pair of sunglasses.
What about Sun Protection?
Protecting your skin and eyes from the sun is simple…be sun-smart all year round!
- Stay out of the sun between 10.00am and 3.00pm.
- Wear protective clothing (long sleeved, collared shirt).
- Wear a broad brimmed hat or a Legionnaire style cap.
- Use SPF 30+, broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen on skin which is not easily covered by clothing and reapply thickly every two hours.
- Wear close fitting sunglasses that conform with Australian Standard AS 1067.
The Cancer Foundation of WA also recommends:
- Checking your skin regularly for any new or changing spots and sores that do not heal.
- Seeking treatment early if you find a suspicious spot.
ULTRA VIOLET RADIATION = SUNBURN = SKIN DAMAGE = SKIN CANCER.
WARNING: There is a risk of the presence of stingers on the beaches all year! The high risk period is from November to June. If stung, douse the affected area liberally with vinegar. If in distress - SEEK URGENT MEDICAL ASSISTANCE Tel: 000 (Mob: 112).
Safe Swimming and Tropical Waters
During the Wet season, between November and June, marine stingers may be present in Broome's waters. By taking a few simple precautions you can minimise risks associated with these two types of potentially dangerous Jellyfish (marine stingers):
Chironex Box Jellyfish
The large but almost transparent "Box Jellyfish" is up to 30cm across and has up to 15 ribbon-like tentacles from each of the four corners.
This Jellyfish delivers a severe and potentially life threatening sting. The sting causes severe burning skin pain, often with tentacles remaining in the stung area. Severe stings may cause the victim's breathing to cease, or heart to stop.
Stings from Chironex Box Jellyfish have been recorded predominately in coastal areas.
Irukandji
A tiny transparent Jellyfish 1-2cm across with 4 thin tentacles (some newly described species may be larger), this Jellyfish is almost totally invisible in the water.
A sting from this Jellyfish causes an initial minor stinging sensation followed 20-40 minutes later by severe generalized muscular pain, headache, vomiting, and sweating. The sting from some species causes very high blood pressure that may be life threatening. The Irukandji, although less common, DO occur on tropical islands and the reef, as well as beaches.
Tips for Safer Swimming in Tropical Waters
- Lifeguards patrol Cable Beach (from Easter to October school holidays) for your protection and safety. Please swim between the red and yellow flags.
- Look for and observe warning signals.
- Wear protective clothing (wet suit or lycra "stinger suit") to reduce potential stings.
- Don't swim when the beaches are closed (or from October to July without a "stinger " suit).
First Aid Priorities for Tropical Marine Stings
- Call for help - dial 000 (Mob:112) for an ambulance.
- Emergency care - CPR if needed.
- Treat the sting - pour vinegar onto sting.
- Seek medical help - transport to hospital.
WARNING: Symptoms for Irukandji stings may take 20-40 minutes to develop. If in doubt follow the first aid priorities and seek medical advice.