Lifeguards on patrol to keep beachgoers safe

With summer upon us, there’s no better time to remind people about beach safety.

Volunteer surf lifesavers patrol the beaches on weekends and public holidays along Holdfast Bay’s coastline, from Seacliff to Glenelg.

On weekdays, paid lifeguards patrol Glenelg beach, which is one of only two beaches in South Australia to be serviced by professional lifeguards (the other is Goolwa beach on the Fleurieu Peninsula).

The City of Holdfast Bay provides funding to Surf Life Saving SA to employ the professional lifeguards and has done each summer since 2006.

If you’re at the beach this summer, swim between the red and yellow flags and follow the guidance and advice of lifeguards or volunteer lifesavers who operate at Seacliff beach, Brighton and Somerton as well as Glenelg beach.

Swimmers are also urged to never swim alone, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Stay calm if you get in trouble in the water and signal for help by holding up one arm and waving, float and wait for assistance.

Surf Life Saving SA has produced a series of helpful and easy to view beach safety videos which also cover nine different languages.

The videos can be viewed on Surf Life Saving SA's YouTube channel.

Top 5 water safety tips when at the beach

1. Swim at a patrolled beach.
2. Stay between the red and yellow flags.
3. Always watch children on the beach and in or near the water.
4. Avoid dangerous activities such as jetty jumping or venturing near the breakwater rocks.
5. Be sun smart – slip, slop, slap, seek, slide.