Australia is a huge tourist destination that attracts millions of visitors every year. In 2019 alone, 9.3 million people visited Australia to spend their holiday.
This is not surprising as Australia is home to many cultural sites, magnificent coral reefs, and stunning beaches that are a delight to people looking to relax on the beach, swim in crystal clear oceans, or hoping to surf some waves.
Beaches in Australia
Australia has a coastline that stretches almost 50,000 kilometers, and is linked by over 10,000 beaches, most of which are safe for swimming and surfing. In Queensland alone, the Gold Coast has more surfers per capita than anywhere else in the world.
Surfing tournaments are also held yearly in Australia. The Quicksilver Pro Gold Coast tournament has been held at Coolangatta since 2002, and the annual Rip Curl Pro Bell Beach has been held at Torquay, Victoria, since 1962.
Possible Dangers at Australian Beaches
The beautiful scenery, various surf clubs and high waves draw in surfers and beach-lovers from all over the world. The beaches of Australia are a good place to swim and surf irrespective of your proficiency level, but there are a few things you should look out for on your next trip to the beach;
Riptides are common in Australia, and can be very dangerous to people unfortunate to be caught in them.
According to the Australian tourism site, a riptide or “rip” is formed “when the water that comes into the beach needs to escape and go back out to the ocean.” The waves formed during a rip are very strong. If you get caught in one, it’s very important not to panic and try to get the attention of a lifeguard.
Riptides
Jellyfish, Crocodiles and Other Aquatic Wildlife
The waters of Australia are home to a diverse amount of wildlife. It is home to over 5,000 species of fish, 1,700 different species of coral, 170 types of sharks, and 32 types of sea snakes.
During your swim, you may get stung by a jellyfish, an octopus, or even a sea snake. Luckily, most of the bites are not dangerous, especially when they are treated almost immediately.
Sunburn
The beach is a good place to tan, but it can be dangerous for your skin health if you don’t use sunscreen. Australia receives high UV radiation from the sun, especially during summer when the Earth’s orbit brings Australia closer to the sun.
Are Australian beaches safe?
Yes, Australian beaches are safe to swim and surf. However, to ensure you get the best out of your beach experience, it’s best to follow some simple rules.
- Always use a spf 50 sunscreen.
- Pay attention to safety signs: they will help you identify potential dangers and daily conditions at the beach.
- Always ask a lifeguard for any advice: they are your friends, and they can help you know the safest areas to surf at.
- When you encounter trouble, always raise your hand for help. Remember to stay calm, and not panic.
Another tip is to find the flags put on the beach by the lifeguards and swim between them. The flags show the safest place to swim at the beach. The red and yellow flags show the areas that are safe to swim, while the black-and-white flags point out the “no surf zones” and areas that are relegated specifically for swimmers.
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