Tourists are told to take care when surfing.
When deciding to holiday in Australia you might be forgiven for thinking that the only danger you’ll encounter is a poisonous spider or venomous snake – but you’d be wrong!
Officials are launching a new campaign to warn people of the dangers that lie in the surf, for the death toll in Australia’s pristine waters is rising.
The deaths are not from sharks or jellyfish, but from people attempting to surf without proper equipment or training and getting themselves into trouble. Last year 82 people drowned on Australia’s beaches and of those 26 were tourists.
Officials are warning of people getting into the holiday mode and perhaps taking risks that they would not normally take back home. The waters look safe enough but it can be all too easy to suddenly find yourself out of your depth.
Brett Williamson from Surf Life Saving Australia say that those who are of a higher risk are tourists with limited English, a lack of awareness of the beach and sea and with inadequate swimming skills.
In response to the alarming figures several airlines have agreed to start showing a safety video during flights to Australia. Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Garuda Indonesia, Air New Zealand, China Airlines and South African Airlines have all agreed to the procedures. The video will explain the coloured flags and safety signs on the beaches. They will be advised to swim with a friend and know how to attract the attention of a lifeguard.
Surfing is one of the most popular pastimes in Australia and a big hit with tourists. Many surfing schools offer basic training and tuition to set you off on the right foot. The best surfing spots are thought to be the beaches around the Gold Coast, Sydney’s northern beaches and the famous Kirra Beach, favourite surfing spot of world champion Kelly Slater.
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So next time you are out riding the waves in Australia, don’t worry about the sharks, just make sure you know how to get back safely to the beach!
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