← Beach and water safety

The hazards, and what to do

Sharks

Very rare
000If someone is bitten, call 000

Do now Swim between the red and yellow flags. Leave the water if a siren sounds.

Police, fire and ambulance. Free from any phone.112 works from a mobile. 106 is the text relay if you are deaf or have a speech impairment. Need an interpreter? Say “I want a [your language] interpreter”.Stay on the line. The call taker may give you first aid instructions.Not sure where you are? The free Emergency+ app shows your location. Install it before you need it.

SourcesQueensland Ambulance Service — calling an ambulanceTriple Zero — Australian GovernmentEmergency+ app

Attacks are very rare, and the safest part of the beach is between the red and yellow flags, where lifeguards keep a lookout. If they see a shark they sound a siren or ring a bell and tell you to leave the water straight away.

  • Don’t swim after dusk, at night, or before dawn.
  • Don’t swim alone, or while bleeding.
  • Avoid murky water, estuary mouths, canals, and places with schools of fish.

SourceBeachsafe — sharks

Its own page

More in the hazards, and what to do

This is one card from Beach and water safety, part of Emergency and safety. General information, not legal, medical or migration advice.

Start typing. Search covers every link, guide and state page on the site.