Always Swim Between the Flags
What is a Patrolled Beach?
Life Saving Victoria patrols 65 of Victoria's most popular and hazardous beaches. A patrolled beach can be identified by the red and yellow patrol flags.
What the Red and Yellow Flags Mean
Simply stated, the red and yellow patrol flags identify the safest area to swim when an active lifesaving patrol is on the beach. In Victoria, no one has ever drowned in Victoria whilst swimming between the red and yellow flags.
Setting Up The Red And Yellow Patrol Flags
Before a lifesaving patrol begins, the lifesavers or professional lifeguards on duty enter the water to get a feel for where the rips, currents, rocks and other hazards are located.
They then combine their knowledge and experience with the current conditions and identify the safest area to swim. Two red and yellow patrol flags then identify this area.
Depending on the water conditions, the area between patrol flags can vary in size. This is to ensure that the patrol flags are located away from rips, rocks or other hazards. The area also needs to be a manageable size, so that the patrol can ensure the safety of the swimmers, as well as not restrict other users such as board riders.
The Area Is Monitored
Throughout the day the water conditions may alter. Therefore the patrol flags maybe re-positioned. Only swimmers are allowed between the red and yellow patrol flags. No fibreglass surfboards are allowed between the patrol flags. Surfboards must keep outside of the blue flags, which are located on either side of the red and yellow patrol flags.
Your Responsibility
The patrol constantly monitors the area between the patrol flags. However it is the responsibility of the swimmer to stay within their capabilities. Swimmers should never swim alone. Furthermore, if you choose to swim outside the red and yellow patrol flags or at an unpatrolled beach you do so at your own risk.
Play it safe this summer, and always swim between the flags
 | Arrows point to closest patrolled areas. |
Beach Safety Tips
- Always swim at a beach patrolled by lifesavers.
- Swim between the red and yellow flags. They mark the safest areas to swim.
- Always swim under supervision or with a friend.
- Read and obey the safety signs.
- If you are unsure of conditions, ask a lifesaver.
- Always go Surfing with someone else
- Don't swim directly after a meal.
- Don't swim under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Don't run and dive in the water.
- Check it’s okay to swim before before you enter the water, conditions change regularly.
- Be SunSmart use at least 15+ sunscreen, wear a long-sleeve shirt and broad brimmed hat.
- If you get caught in a rip at a patrolled beach, do not panic. Float with the rip and raise one arm for assistance.
- Always wear a foot strap when surfing and a wrist strap when body boarding.