Beach, Surf and Safety
Due to the variable and at times unsafe conditions of Phillip Island's south coast beaches, visitors are urged to swim between the flags, on patrolled beaches. It is suggested for smaller children you go to one of the many bay beaches. Midweek, over the summer school holidays, life guards are present at Woolamai Surf Beach, Smiths Beach and Cowes' main beach. Weekends and Public Holidays are patrolled by volunteer Surf Life Savers at Woolamai Surf Beach only, from November to Easter. Contact Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club on Ph: 5956 7311 for up-to-date patrol times. How to be Smart in the Surf - Only swim between the flags at beaches patrolled by life guards.
- Are the waves large or rough? Only go into the water if you are sure you will be able to swim.
- If there is big surf , there will also be a rip. A rip is a strong current that will carry you out to sea.
- Always go swimming with someone else. When you are in the water, stay near other swimmers.
- What would you do if you see someone in trouble? Go for help.
- Don’t swim immediately after eating.
- Don’t swim after drinking alcohol or taking medication.
- Be Sun Smart and protect yourself and family against sunburn and wear a hat to avoid sun stroke.
Things to do if you get into trouble - Stay as calm as possible. Float on your back, raise one arm and call for help.
- If you are caught in a rip, don’t try and swim against it. Swim along the beach for about 30 metres, then turn and swim to shore.
- If you have floated too far out on a li-lo or surf mat, hold on tight and raise your arm to signal for help.
Woolamai Surf Lifesaving Club Established on Phillip Island in 1959, the club has a dedicated team of volunteer Life Savers patrolling beaches and educating the public about beach safety. Since the Club's inception 1873 lives have been saved (167 saved in 1996). A Nipper program is available over the summer holidays for children from 7 years old. This program provides special beach activities and teaches surf awareness and beach safety. Beach Numbers There are 26 numbered beaches around Phillip Island. The numbers represent the location and are used in emergency situations. Where an emergency arises on a beach, ring 000 and quote the number for that beach. See the Centre Map for Numbers. Public Toilets Public Toilets are located at all towns in the district and at the following beaches: Red Rocks, Ventnor, Flynns, Summerland, Smiths and Woolamai surf & bay beaches. More information? Contact a Local or have some lessons with: Island Surfboards
147 Thompson Ave, Cowes
65 Smiths Beach Rd, Smiths Beach
T. 03 5952 2578
cowes@islandsurfboards.com.au Out There Outdoors
10-12 Phillip Island Rd
Newhaven, Phillip Island 3925
T. 03 5956 6450
F. 03 5956 6622
E. ash@outthere.net.au
W. www.outthere.net.au Or see these websites:
http://www.surfshop.com.au http://www.surfingaustralia.com
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