To stay safe around water, follow these simple rules:
- always supervise children around water
- learn swimming, water safety and lifesaving skills
- wear a lifejacket when boating, rock fishing or paddling
- swim at a patrolled beach between the red and yellow flags
- avoid alcohol and drugs around water.
Beaches
Find out how to enjoy a day at the beach safely and help prevent accidents or injury.
Beach safety - healthdirect
Beach safe - Surf Life Saving Australia
Boating
Safety information for recreational boaters including safety advice, safety equipment needs and rules about boating, kayaking and canoeing, and water skiing.
For information on hazards and changes to navigation in South Australian waters including the River Murray see Notice to Mariners.
Flood
Be prepared for a flood and know what to do before, during and after a flood.
Flood - SA State Emergency Service
Inland waterways - rivers, lakes and dams
When enjoying inland waterways it’s important to be aware of the risks and stay safe. There are many hidden dangers that you may not be aware of including - fast-flowing water, submerged objects such as tree branches and freezing water that could cause shock or hyperthermia.
Respect the river - Royal Life Saving Australia
Learn to swim
Swimming classes for adults and children are offered by a number of providers including Surf Life Saving's SA Shores.
VACSWIM is a government-funded initiative to teach primary school children how to swim.
Pools and spas
Reduce the risk of accidents in your swimming pool or spa pool by installing appropriate safety barriers and ensuring young children are supervised.
Resuscitation
Resuscitation skills are crucial because they can save lives if you spend time near or on the water.
How to perform CPR - healthdirect
Visitors
If you are a visitor to Australia get some safety tips for swimming at our beaches.
Water safety in Australia - Tourism Australia
Weather
It's important to check the weather before you head out for water activities. You should always check:
- weather warnings for your activity area
- weather conditions - will they affect your safety or comfort?
- wind conditions and expected wind changes.
For marine waterways:
- wave conditions and heights
- times for high and low tide.
For inland waterways:
- flood warnings issued for your activity area.
Weather information
The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) provides a forecast service, flood warnings and marine services for local waters, coastal waters and open ocean activities.
UV alerts
You can check the UV index and find out what times sun protection is required during the day on the SunSmart website.
