5 Things International Students Need to Know Before Swimming in Australia

Here’s what you need to know to stay safe on Aussie beaches.

There’s no denying that one of the best things in Australia is our beautiful beaches.

When that blazing sun comes out, beaches become packed with so many people eager to cool off in the water.

If you’re travelling here for the first time – do you know what to do when it comes to swimming safely on Aussie beaches?

In December 2025 alone, the Royal Life Saving Summer Drowning Toll has sadly already had 10 drowning deaths reported.

In the 2022 National Coastal Safety Report, international visitors made up 8 per cent of coastal drownings between 2012 and 2022, with 3 per cent of these visitors being international students.

If you’re looking forward to having some fun in the sun and swimming at the many beaches around Australia, here’s five things you need to know to stay safe.

1. Get familiar with signs and flags.

Make sure to swim at patrolled beaches.

If you’re looking for a good spot, or not sure where you’re going is supervised, use the Beachsafe website for info – it’ll also let you know what the weather is like, and if the beach you’re going to has parking and toilets.

There are various signs and flags that will be posted around the beach and walkways to keep you informed and safe.

Swim between the red and yellow flags - they’ll let you know where the beach is being supervised and if there is a lifesaving service operating.

Yellow flags are used signify potential hazards, and red flags? You guessed it - Don’t swim.

Get the run-down on what each of the flags and signs mean here.

2. Swim with friends.

Safety is always better in numbers.

When going to the beach, make sure to swim with friends. You don’t want to be in a situation where you can’t get help.

3. Slip, Slop, Slap!

An iconic phrase in Australian culture many grew up with – teaching you to how to protect yourself against skin cancer with our blazing hot weather.

Don’t get complacent, and no – getting a tan isn’t worth it. No one is safe from the sun – not even Hugh Jackman.

The iconic phrase was created by the Cancer Council in 1981, and has had an upgrade to ‘Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide’;

• Slip on a shirt
• Slop on sunscreen
• Slap on a hat
• Seek shade
• Slide on wraparound sunglasses

4. Don’t mix drugs and alcohol with the beach.

If you are making a day out of going to the beach with friends – don’t drink alcohol or take any substances.

It’s a dangerous combo to be under-the-influence and swim as you’ll have a lack of coordination and reaction time, you won’t be able to control your body temp.

However, do keep hydrated with plenty of water and avoid swimming after a meal.

5. Learn how to get help.

In the event of an emergency, it’s important to be prepared whether you’re in or out of the water to help yourself or a mate.

Remember our emergency services number ‘000’.

It’s good to note where the lifeguards and lifesaving services are located once you arrive.

Rip currents (or ‘rips) are strong currents around the shore that run away from the beach, and they’re the number one hazard on Aussie beaches.

If you do get stuck in a rip, follow these steps:

• Stay calm.
• Raise an arm and call out for help.
• Float on your back with the rip (it might return you to shore).
• Swim parallel to the beach or towards breaking waves until you escape the rip – don’t swim against it.

All these tips tie into one another to ensure that you have the best, safest experience when it comes to swimming in Australia.

If you can’t swim or aren’t a confident swimmer – why not take lessons while you’re here?!

Student Edge offer great deals on gym memberships – some of which give you access to their own pools! So maybe start hitting up a swimming pool or local leisure centre first before you enjoy the beautiful Aussie waters!

This article was originally published on 17 March 2023 and has since been updated.