Beach Safety: Beachsafe is an online beach safety portal for all Australians and visitors to our shores proudly presented by Surf Life Saving Australia and partners / Sun Safety

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Beach Safety: Beachsafe is an online beach safety portal for all Australians and visitors to our shores proudly presented by Surf Life Saving Australia and partners Visiting the beach Beaches near me Rips at the Beach Rock fishing First Aid Info Resources

Sun Safety

In Australia, when going to the beach or into the ‘great outdoors,’ there is the need to be sun safe.

Too much exposure to the sun can cause serious damage to your skin. Whenever you are going in the sun, take adequate precautions. By following the simple steps of Slip, Slop, Slap, Slide and Seek (outlined below), you can enjoy the beach and outdoors safely.

SLIP
Slip on a shirt. Long sleeve shirts will provide the best protection against the ultra violet (UV) rays.

SLOP
Slop on the sunscreen, at least 15 minutes before going into the sun. For the best protection, use 15+ or 30+ sunscreen and be sure to reapply every two hours or after swimming.

SLAP
Slap on a hat. Wide brim hats are the best as they cover your head and provide shade to your face.

SLIDE
Slide on a pair of UV protective sunglasses.

SEEK
Seek some shade. Protective tents are becoming more popular, but take care to ground them properly so they don’t fly away at the beach and cause injury to other beach visitors.

Tip: take extra care between 10am and 3pm when UV levels are highest.

SUN SAFETY FOR SURF LIFESAVERS
Surf lifesavers encourage sun safety practices. Our surf lifesavers no longer stand on the beach for hours wearing only their togs! Today our surf lifesavers must wear a SPF50 long sleeved shirt and peak cap, as well as stand under protective shelters and covered towers when patrolling our beaches.

DEHYDRATION
When visiting the beach or staying out in the sun for extended periods, ensure that you drink plenty of water.
Even if you are in the water, you can still dehydrate. You should also avoid alcohol and carbonated drinks as they make you more dehydrated.

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For more information on
any other matter relating to
aquatic safety, contact:

Surf Life Saving Australia
02.9300.4000 or 
slsa.com.au

Surf Life Saving NSW
(02) 9984 7188 or 
surflifesaving.com.au

Surf Life Saving QLD
(07) 3846 8000 or 
lifesaving.com.au

Life Saving Victoria
(03) 9676 6900 or 
lifesavingvictoria.com.au

Surf Life Saving SA
(08) 8354 6900 or 
surfrescue.com.au

Surf Life Saving WA
(08) 9243 9444 or 
mybeach.com.au

Surf Life Saving TAS
(03) 6223 5555 or 
slst.asn.au

Surf Life Saving NT
(08) 8985 6588 or 
lifesavingnt.com.au

... or contact your local 
surf life saving club.