24/11/2025
What a tragedy that unfolded at Soldiers Beach. Our deepest sympathy goes out to the family and friends of the young man who lost his life.
To the surfers, first responders, rescue personnel and lifeguards — thank you. Your bravery and commitment are truly commendable. Hope you are doing ok.
As heartbreaking as this is, it’s an important reminder of how quickly the ocean can change from one day to the next. We never want to see something like this happen again.
Over the weekend, we made the decision to cancel and reschedule several lessons due to conditions. Safety will always come first. Unfortunately, this incident occurred, and it is devastating for his family, friends and our wider community.
Our community is expanding, with more families moving here and many tourists visiting and some with very limited beach experience.
Please look out for eachoitger, don’t be afraid to speak up.
If you see someone about to swim in a dangerous spot or poor conditions, have a polite conversation. Some people can be completely unaware of rips and are grateful when someone warns them.
If the beach is unpatrolled or conditions feel uncertain, save it for a calmer day.
The ocean will always be there.
If it looks big — don’t swim.
If you’re not sure — don’t swim.
Outside patrol hours is always riskier.
If you are not educated, confident and competent in the ocean, we strongly recommend swimming between the flags during patrol hours only.
This post is not to encourage people to swim outside patrol hours, but to help give a better understanding of what to look for — and more importantly, when to stay out.
Understanding the Ocean: Important Safety Tips
Before entering the water, it’s important to “map the beach”:
✔ Line up sandbanks and rips with land markers
✔ Observe water movement carefully
Things to look for:
1️⃣ Leftover bubbles on sandbanks — track their speed and direction
2️⃣ Deeper, darker water — often indicates channels or rips
3️⃣ Large swell — increases water movement and increases risk
If it looks fast, it will feel even faster once you’re in it.
And please — don’t swim in big swell, especially on high tide.
🌊 Tide & Sandbanks
During low tide, sandbanks can become more exposed, making it feel easier to stand.
But this can give a false sense of security.
You still need to stay lined up with your land marker.
Sandbanks often drop off suddenly into deeper water.
If the sandbank “falls away,” sometimes that can mean there was a sudden deep channel beside it — and every jump of a wave can move you sideways into it without realising. On very rare occasions and this has never happened to me sometimes narrow ones can collaps. Whilst there are reports of this happening the conditions havent been good this week and we have cancelled alot. If its big best not to swim. Rockpools could be a better alternative in south swells.
When it looks good...
If you’re not a strong swimmer, stay where you can comfortably stand and check your land marker constantly.
Even when you can stand:
✔ Keep a land marker onshore
✔ Check your position often
✔ Stay aware of sideways drift
🌊 Recognising a Rip Current
Rips don’t always look dangerous. Sometimes they look calmer than the rest of the beach.
Signs include:
Darker or deeper-looking water
Fewer breaking waves
Foam/bubbles moving steadily out to sea
Choppy, uneven surface texture
Every beach with waves has rips.
🌊 What To Do If You’re Caught in a Rip
Don’t panic — float and conserve energy
Don’t swim against the pull
Swim parallel to the shore
Once free of the current, angle back in with the waves
Raise your arm and signal for help if needed
Most rips work like a circuit — they eventually lead to calmer water.
🌊 Before You Go In
✔ Always swim between the flags
✔ Ask a local surfer or lifeguard if you’re unsure
✔ Pick a land marker and check it often
If you're ever unsure, please reach out.
We are always here to help keep our community safe.
Stay aware. Stay safe. 💛
