Safety at the Beach

A family beach day can be one of the best parts of summer. Kids racing to the water, warm sand, salty air — it all feels simple and carefree. But as every parent knows, the ocean isn’t always predictable. One day it’s calm and clear; the next, a change in tide or wind can turn gentle play into a moment that catches a child off guard.

This year’s National Drowning Report shows a 30% increase in drowning deaths at beaches (82 deaths) — the highest in a decade. Most occurred during summer, in the afternoon, and often when families had travelled more than 100km from home. These numbers are confronting, but they also highlight something important: with knowledge and preparation, families can make safer choices.

Below is practical guidance you can use on every beach visit — from toddlers splashing in the shallows to teens pushing their boundaries — with reflections drawn from the most recent national data.

Choose the Right Beach for Your Family

For young swimmers, look for a beach with:

• A gentle, shallow slope
• Small waves
• Clear visibility and no rocks or strong currents

You can check conditions for any beach via beachsafe.org.au. A suitable beach can make all the difference, especially for children still building deep-water confidence

Respect the Ocean: It Changes Every Day

One of the biggest lessons we teach at Surrey Park is respect for water. Unlike a pool, the beach is never exactly the same. The 2025 drowning data shows that 85% of beach drowning victims were male and a significant number were aged 65+ years — a reminder that confidence alone doesn’t replace caution.

A simple rule: never turn your back on the sea. Waves can surprise even strong swimmers.

Supervision Comes First

For young children, touch supervision is essential — keeping them within arm’s reach at all times. Police guidance notes that 20 seconds is all it takes for a child to drown.

The National Drowning Report reinforces this. Children under 10 remain vulnerable, especially around flowing water or deeper-than-expected beach edges. And while drowning deaths in children under 14 have decreased nationally, most incidents still happen during summer holidays when routines are more relaxed .

Set simple family rules:

• Kids must ask permission before entering the water
• Adults take turns as the “designated watcher”
• No child swims alone — ever

Why Swimming Between the Flags Matters

There were zero drownings between the flags on patrolled beaches in Victoria (National Drowning Report 2024 reference, unchanged in 2025 trends). It remains the safest choice for families.

Beach lifesavers actively choose the safest swimming area, monitor conditions, and respond instantly if someone gets into trouble. Swimming outside these zones dramatically increases risk — especially with rip currents contributing to 37% of beach drownings in 2024/25 .

If you find yourself at an unpatrolled beach, ask: Is this sensible? Is it safe? What will happen if we get into trouble? If in doubt—don’t swim

Rips: What Every Family Should Know

Rips are the leading coastal hazard, and many swimmers cannot correctly identify them. They are powerful, fast-flowing currents that drag swimmers away from shore.

If caught:

1. Stay calm and float
2. Signal for help
3. Swim parallel to the shore if you’re able

Remember: You will never find a rip between the red and yellow flags.

Lifejackets and Flotation Devices

Lifejackets can offer a layer of protection while inflatable toys, boogie boards, or water wings are not safety devices — all should never replace supervision.

Teens and Adults: Know Your Limits

The report shows a significant rise in drowning in teens and adults — particularly among those aged 15–24 and 65+ years, often at unfamiliar beaches or further from home .
Key reminders for older swimmers:

• Conditions may be different from what you remember
• Overconfidence can be dangerous. Don’t enter the water unless you’re sure you can handle the conditions. Even strong swimmers can get in trouble

• Swim with others
• Avoid alcohol around water — a factor in many preventable incidents

Sun, Hydration & Beach “Beasties”

Stay sun-safe, drink water regularly, and look for signage about jellyfish, stingrays, or other marine life.

Building a Safer Summer Starts at the Pool

At Surrey Park, water safety — including beach-readiness awareness — is woven into every program. Skills like floating, safe entries, breath control, and reading water movement all prepare children for real-world aquatic environments. If your child or yourself needs to build confidence before summer, our learn-to-swim programs help everyone grow into safer, stronger swimmers

Learn CPR

In an emergency, you’re likely to be the first responder, and having CPR skills can make all the difference in achieving a positive outcome.

Call to Action: Make This Your Safest Summer Yet

Beach days should be joyful. With the right knowledge, supervision, and swim skills, they can be.
If you’re ready to help you or your child become safer and more confident in the water, book a program at Surrey Park today. Let’s keep our community swim-ready, confident, and safe all summer long