Have Fun, Swim Safe In Australia

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Have Fun, Swim Safe In Australia

Australia's Gold Coast is not only known for it's beautiful white sand beaches but for it's many dangers as well. Because of this the Gold Coast is home to Australia's largest surf life saving service.

There is a Queensland Shark Control Program (SCP) to protect swimmers from sharks. No fatal shark attacks have occurred on protected ocean beaches on the Gold Coast since the late 1950s but two fatal attacks have occurred in inland lake areas since 2002. Sharks are caught by using nets and baited drumlins off the major swimming beaches and even with the SCP sharks do get within range of the patrolled beaches.

The two fatalities were both male, who were swimming in the morning. These men wear attached by a bull shark, also known as the whaler shark. Bull sharks are common, worldwide, along warm coastal waters and in rivers. It is also known for its predictable and aggressive behaviors. At the first sight of a shark the life guards will immediately call for everyone to evacuate the waters.

All the beaches of the Gold Coast are free. Life guards are paid by the council and the life savers are volunteers. If you are attended a guided tour and you are told that there are charges associated with the beach, you should not give them any money as this is a con. You should instead find an honest and reliable tour guide.

There are flags on each patrolled beach that relate to the area you are in. Below is a guide for you to follow on your next visit.

Red and Yellow flag: indicated that this is the safest swimming area and are the most common flag you will see. On popular beaches they are usually only a few hundred metres apart so you can always swim on a patrolled beach.

Plain yellow flag: this means potentially dangerous conditions (Caution). You should check with beach patrol before going in as the danger could either be temporary or last many hours.

Plain red flag: this means danger " do not enter the water under any circumstances. When this flag is displayed the beach is closed for swimming.

Red and White Checkered Flag: This flag indicates that there has been a shark sighting in the water. Shark patrol will chase the shark well away to ensure there is no more danger before reopening the beach.

Blue Flag with Surfer: This represents a board riding area that is safe for a surfers enjoyment.

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There are many surfers paradise accommodation for you choose from for your upcoming trip. To find gold coast hotels that are suitable for your stay log onto www.goldcoastinformation.com.au.