Summer safety
Travel safety
The Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development has some tips for how to make the most out of holidays in Australia. Visit the Travel Safely in Australia page on the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development website.
Beach safety
Australia has some of the best beaches in the world, and the best way to enjoy them is by staying safe.
Before you dive into Victoria’s stunning beaches and waterways this summer, it’s important to keep the following safety tips in mind:
- Swim between the red and yellow flags at a patrolled beach, where lifeguards can help you. You can find patrolled beaches on the Beachsafe App.
- Always swim and visit the water with friends.
- Check and follow safety signs before you enter the water.
- Check the weather before you go to the water – conditions change quickly when the weather changes.
- Never mix alcohol and swimming.
- Learn about rip currents – the biggest danger at Victorian beaches.
To keep yourself and your friends safe, download the free Beachsafe App App and use this to check the beach danger rating and local conditions before you visit a beach.
If you find yourself in trouble, the best thing to do is stay calm and hold one arm up in the air. This will signal to the lifeguards on duty that you need assistance.
Learn more about water safety via the Victorian Government. You can also find translated information on staying safe in the water.
- How to Survive a rip current - Video transcript
- How to Spot a rip current - Video transcript
- Beach and water safety tips - Video transcript
Safety in the sun and heat
While you’re here, you’ll likely experience Australia’s hot summers. While summer is a great time to get out and enjoy the country, it’s important to take care in the heat as Australia experiences some of the highest levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation in the world. UV radiation comes from the sun and is a leading cause of skin cancer.
Thankfully, it’s easy to protect yourself from the harmful effects of the sun. Anytime you are going outside - even on cool or overcast days - make sure you use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 50+.
It’s also a good idea to wear a hat and sunglasses and stay in shady areas as much as you can.
Extreme heat can affect anybody. Visit the Better Health Channel for advice and tips to help you enjoy summer and stay cool.
Overexposure to hot weather can cause cramps, dehydration, exhaustion and even heatstroke, which, in severe cases, can be deadly. On extremely hot days, drink lots of water and avoid vigorous exercise or activity, as these may cause you to overheat.
The UV Index is a handy tool you can use to protect yourself from UV radiation. It tells you the times during the day that you need to exercise the most caution in the sun by providing radiation levels. The SunSmart Global UV app works similarly, allowing you to have a convenient UV forecast on your smartphone.
Bushfire safety
It is very important during the fire season to stay informed.
Watch this video to understand the bush fire danger rating. During the summer make sure you check the danger rating every day for where you are or where to plan to travel.
View transcript
[Zoom in on fire danger rating sign]
[Speaker] Fire Danger Ratings tell you how dangerous a fire could be if one started.
This is important to you because the higher the rating,
the more dangerous the conditions.
The Rating should be your prompt to take action.
Fire Weather Districts
There are nine fire weather districts in Victoria and the Fire Danger Rating is forecast daily for each district, up to four days in advance.
Fire Danger Ratings start at MODERATE.
In these conditions, most fires can be controlled.
The next level is HIGH.
Fires can be dangerous in these conditions.
Be ready to act.
The safest option is to avoid bushfire risk areas.
An EXTREME rating means fires will spread quickly and be extremely dangerous.
Take action to protect your life and property.
Reconsider travel through bushfire risk areas.
A CATASTROPHIC rating means that if a fire starts and takes hold, lives are likely to be lost.
You should leave bushfire risk areas on these days.
Homes cannot withstand fires in these conditions.
Stay safe by going to a safer location early in the morning or the night before.
Know your fire weather district, if you live, work or travel through a bushfire risk area, make it a habit to check the Fire Danger Rating every day.
Leaving early, well before any fire has started is always your safest option.
Remember, monitor warnings and stay informed.
Vic Emergency is the official Victorian Government website for emergency warnings and information. This is the best and most up-to-date resource for incidents, warnings and other weather and fire-related information. You can download the VicEmergency app (AppStore and Google Play) and set your location to receive notifications and warnings.
Fire risk is most extreme if you live around or near forest or woodland. The Country Fire Authority (CFA) has a wealth of resources to help you understand your fire risk and know what to do before and during a fire. One of the best ways to start planning is to look at where you live.