25/07/2025
World Drowning Prevention Day serves as an opportunity to highlight the tragic and profound impact of drowning on families and communities and offer life-saving solutions to prevent it.
Across our coastline, Surf Life Saving Sydney continues to adapt and evolve in response to emerging challenges, embracing diversity and inclusion as central strengths. Our members not only save lives but also educate, connect, and protect our communities, by the community, for the community, and that is something we are deeply proud of.
Surf Life Saving Sydney respects and acknowledges the traditional custodians across all the lands on which we live, work and patrol, and we pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. Background Image credit: 'Eora Dreaming' depicts the community of the fifteen Surf Life Saving Clubs throughout Sydney, stretching from North Bondi south to Burning Palms in the Royal National Park - Artist 'Billy Reynolds', proud Dharawal and Yuin man.
Our beaches are our best asset along Sydney’s coast.
There’s plenty of ways to enjoy them, but its important to be conscious of the safety risks along our coastline. Here’s a few ways you can do your bit to ensure your visit to our coastline is safe for you and your family.
Swim Between the Flags
The red and yellow flags are synonymous with beach safety, indicating the safest part of the beach, watched by our terrific lifesavers. But there’s more to flags and signs than just the red and yellow.
Rips and Currents
Rips are one of the greatest and most common hazards on Australian beaches. Knowing what a rip is, how to spot one and how to avoid one is key to staying safe at the beach.
Waves
Catching waves, jumping over them, or diving under them, these are some of the best parts of swimming at the beach. But understanding different types of waves is important to a safe day out. Knowing the difference could make you trip all the better.
Rock Fishing
Rock fishing one of Australia’s most popular sports that can be enjoyed by everybody, but it can also be dangerous. A lot of incidents can be avoided by being properly prepared.
Alcohol and Drugs
It’s really important to understand the relationship between alcohol and drugs and swimming in the ocean. Alcohol and Drugs can impact your judgement, slower your reflexes and can be potentially very dangerous when swimming in the surf. Check out how you can minimise these risks
Sun Safety
Whilst we love being at the beach and enjoying the water, relaxing on the sand, and being with family and friends, don’t forget to take a moment and protect yourself from the sun.
Marine Creatures
There are lots of amazing marine creatures that live in the ocean and on our beaches. Learn about the marine creatures that you should look out for when you visit the beach.
Staying Safe at the Beach
The beach is for everyone to enjoy. Knowing how to stay safe while at the beach will make sure that you and your family have the best day possible
Beach Coast Safety
As the peak water safety and rescue organisation, our mission is simple and hasn’t changed in over 100 years; saving lives, creating great Australians and building better communities.
Beach Safety News
09/05/2025
Join Michael Bonnici, Director of Lifesaving and Rescue Services at SLS Sydney, as he shares a message of thanks and reflection on the season.
18/04/2025
We wish everyone a safe and happy long weekend.
24/02/2025
Over the weekend we had members from Surf Life Saving Sydney out in the community in Bankstown at the Emergency Services Expo teaching community about beach safety.
30/10/2024
Remember to always swim between the flags besties!
24/10/2024
A big thank you to our superstar partners Betty’s Burgers for helping to share our important message! 
Remember, always swim between the red and yellow flags. 
Beach Safety Events
15May
International Water Safety Day
International Water Safety Day is designed to help spread global awareness of the ongoing drowning pandemic and educate the youth in becoming safer in and around water. May 15th is
20May
National Volunteers Week
National Volunteer Week is Australia’s largest annual celebration of volunteering. This special event highlights the important role of volunteers in our community and invites people not currently volunteering to give
05Jun
World Environment Day
World Environment Day allows us to appreciate the amazing beaches, coastline and oceans that we swim, surf and relax in. https://www.worldenvironmentday.global/
Last updated: July 22, 2025