Visitors to Illawarra beaches reminded to be aware of a major hazard, rip currents

According to Surf Life Saving Australia, on average 21 people every year die as a result of rip currents.

Lives have been put in danger, and even tragically lost during summer on Illawarra beaches.

Last month, a 41-year-old man died after trying to save three children swept into the water at Woonona Beach.

Read more: Anthony Turner's lifelong habit of saving strangers, all on a volunteer's wage

Police were told the children were playing on the rocks north of Woonona rock pool when they slipped and fell into the water.

Members of their family entered the water to try to help them.

The family were believed to be from Western Sydney.

According to Surf Life Saving Illawarra, locals knew well of the "dangerous rips" where the man drowned.

Surf Life Saving Illlawarra's duty officer Anthony Turner said rip currents are strong currents of water flowing away from shore through the surf zone. He said rips are complex, can quickly change shape and location and are difficult to see.

"Things to look out for are deeper dark coloured water, fewer breaking waves, and rippled surface surrounded by smooth water," he said.

Mr Turner said his best advice is to always swim at patrolled beaches between the red and yellow flags.

"Ask a lifesaver/lifeguard for advice if unsure of beach conditions," he said.

"If caught in a rip, rule number one - don't panic.

"Float with the current, conserve your energy, raise your arm for assistance; and don't swim against the current.

"Other options are to swim parallel to the beach to breaking waves were a sand bank and waves can assist you to shore."

Surf Life Saving Australia general manager of coastal safety, Shane Daw said the message this summer is to swim only at patrolled locations and have a plan.

"Our message this summer is simple, keep your friends and family safe by swimming at a patrolled beach between the red and yellow flags," he said.

The Surf Life Saving Think Line campaign is designed to encourage all beach-goers to draw a line in the sand and make a plan before entering the water.

The campaign is calling for people to stop and not rush into the water; look to observe the area of potential hazards such as rips and; plan to swim between the red and yellow flags, but if unavailable, enter the water only if safe to do so.

The recently released Coastal Safety Brief on Rip Currents by Surf Life Saving Australia, has also shown that 13 per cent of rip-related deaths (2004-2020) involved a member of the public, or bystander, attempting to rescue someone who had got into trouble.

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