Newsplash - June 2009

Understanding rips is very important and the more you know about them, the safer you will be when swimming at the beach. 

A rip is a strong current of water that begins near the shore, extends through the surf and runs out to sea. They can be very dangerous, having the potential to carry a swimmer out into deep water in a matter of seconds.

How to recognise a rip
Before entering the water look for:

• darker colours, this could indicate deeper water
• murky brown water, this is often caused by sand stirred up off the bottom
• smoother surface with smaller waves, alongside white water (broken waves)
• waves breaking further out to sea on both sides of the rip
• debris floating out to sea
• a rippled look when the water around is generally calm.

Snippets

• The Water Safety Branch visited the Palmerston Festival on Sunday 31 May. Parents signed up their children up for the Under 5’s Water Safety Awareness Program.  Boof the Barra, the water safety mascot, also made an appearance.
   
• Congratulations to the Northern Territory Royal Life Saving Society Australia Junior Barras who took out the Champion Team trophy at the Arafura Games. They were successful in gaining the overall trophy against open teams from Singapore, Hong Kong and other states and territories of Australia.

Visit www.arafuragames.nt.gov.au for more details.

Boating safety

The key to safe boating is being prepared. Before you head offshore, make sure that you have:

School visits

The water safety team visited Girraween and Berry Springs Primary Schools in May. They spoke about safe swimming areas, signage, dangerous marine animals and boating safety. All year levels had the chance to participate in some fun learning activities.

New team member

The Water Safety Branch welcomes Lynn Finlay to the team. Lynn has been in living in the Northern Territory for 20 years and enjoys water sports like wake boarding. Lynn is excited about her new role of Manager Community Education and Engagement.