Join us for a safer summer!

Jumping or diving from piers, bridges and jetties can seem tempting on a hot day, but the risks are far greater than most people realise. Natural waterways change constantly. Tides, shifting sand and unexpected hazards such as submerged debris can make the depth and conditions different every time. What looks like a safe jump can quickly lead to serious spinal injuries or even death, especially in places like the Barwon Estuary where underwater conditions can’t be seen from the surface.

We are encouraging everyone to skip the jump and choose a safe entry point instead. Using designated access points helps protect you, your friends and your family so you can enjoy the coast with confidence. Your safety comes first, and taking a moment to choose the safer option makes all the difference.

Riding an e‑bike or e‑scooter can be fun and convenient – but only when done safely and within the rules. In Victoria, you must wear a helmet, ride in designated areas, stay under the speed limits and always keep the safety of yourself and others front of mind. The laws apply to e‑scooters too – you must be 16 or older, stay off footpaths, keep your speed under 20 km/h and avoid distractions like using your phone.

Understanding the legal side of riding helps you stay safe and avoid fines or worse. Before you head out on your ride, check that your vehicle is compliant and the path or road you’re using is permitted – it’s the smart, legal and safe choice.

For full details, check out the information from Victoria Police:

Electric Powered Scooters Electric Bike (e-bike) Safety

Boating on the Barwon River is an iconic Aussie adventure – a chance to enjoy our beautiful waterways with family and friends. But crossing the river bar can be risky, so preparation is key to making sure you come home safely. Check weather, wind, tide, and swell forecasts, understand navigational aids, and always wear a lifejacket. Conditions can change quickly, so be flexible and stay alert, especially in low visibility or strong swell.

Make the most of your day on the water by using tools like the free DECKEE app, which provides maps, alerts, and safety information for Victorian recreational boaters. For more advice and guidance, visit our Boating and Ports webpage.

Visit our Boating and Ports web page

DECKEE App (Safe Transport Victoria)

Rips are the number one hazard on Australian beaches. On any given day, there are about 17,000 rips at beaches around Australia.

Can you spot a rip? Life Saving Victoria and Surf Life Saving Australia and The Age produced an interactive resource aimed at educating people about rip currents, how to spot them and what to do if you are caught in one. Surf Life Saving Australia also has range of educational videos available online about rip currents, including:

• The Facts about Rip Currents 
• How to Spot a Rip Current
• How to Survive a Rip Current

A range of multilingual resources about rips are also available on the Surf Life Saving Australia website.

Visit the Beachsafe Rip Currents Page

A beach can seem like a wide playground, but tides can come in quickly, and water depth changes throughout the day. To stay safe, it’s important to check tide tables or local tide trackers before heading out and to remain aware of your surroundings while at the beach.

At most locations, it takes about 6 hours to go from low tide to high tide, though in some areas it can take up to 12 hours. For local tide information at Barwon Heads Main Jetty, check the tide tracker. For more general knowledge about tides and how they work, visit the BOM Tides and Sea Level resources. Understanding tides helps you enjoy the coast safely and avoid being cut off by rising water.

Real-time Tide Tracker BOM Tides and Sea Level Resources 

Swimming between the flags is the safest way to enjoy the waves. Patrolled beaches have lifesavers and lifeguards keeping watch to help if you get into trouble. If you’re unsure about the conditions or where to swim safely, you can ask a lifesaver or check BeachSafe to find a nearby patrolled beach and get up-to-date information on conditions. Always swim between the flags to make your time at the beach fun and safe.

Visit BeachSafe

Beaches are iconic, but they can also be dangerous. Drowning is silent, so it’s important to stay alert, swim with mates, and know your limits. Always swim at patrolled beaches between the red and yellow flags, where lifesavers and lifeguards can keep a watchful eye and help if needed.

To keep your family safe, supervise children around water, wear lifejackets when boating or paddling, avoid alcohol, and check the conditions before you enter the water. We want everyone to come home safe from a day at the beach – making simple choices like swimming between the flags can save lives.

Visit BeachSafe

Children are most at risk around water, and it only takes 20 seconds for a drowning incident to occur. Always actively supervise your children – keep those under 5 within arm’s reach and children under 10 always in sight. Supervision means constant visual contact, not a quick glance while reading or watching from inside the house.

Prepare in advance to minimise the risk of leaving a child unsupervised by having towels, sunscreen, dry clothes, and your phone ready before swimming or bathing. Learning swimming, water safety, and lifesaving skills further protects your children.

KidSafe Vic Water Safety

Dogs love the beach just as much as we do, and following the Dog Control Orders helps everyone enjoy the coast safely and respectfully. These rules protect local wildlife, safeguard sensitive coastal areas, and ensure all visitors can share the shoreline comfortably. By knowing when and where dogs are permitted and keeping them under control, you’re helping to look after the coast and keep it a welcoming place for both people and pets.

Visit our Dogs on Beaches Page

Our coastline is home to incredible wildlife, and giving animals the space they need helps keep them wild and safe. While it is exciting to spot birds or marine animals, always watch from a distance and never approach them. Keeping your dog on a leash around wildlife is an important way to avoid disturbance or harm. Discarded fishing tackle and netting can be deadly for seals, penguins and other marine animals, so please dispose of all rubbish and fishing gear responsibly.

If you see a seal or other wildlife resting on the beach, stay well back, keep your dog leashed and do not touch, feed or move the animal. If you believe it may be injured, call Barwon Coast on (03) 5254 1118 or the Marine Response Unit on 1300 245 678. Your care helps protect the animals that make our coast so special.

Rules around encountering a seal

Enjoying the sun safely is easier than you think. Simple steps like wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, seeking shade, and staying hydrated can make a big difference. Skin cancers account for 80% of all cancers diagnosed in Australia each year, so protecting your skin could save your life.

Heatwaves can affect everyone – not just older people or young children – so it’s important to understand heatwave warnings, prepare in advance, and reduce the impact of extreme heat. The Bureau of Meteorology provides forecasts and alerts for severe and extreme heatwaves, and you can get notifications directly to your phone via the BOM Weather app. Plan outdoor activities for cooler parts of the day, stay hydrated, and take breaks in the shade to enjoy the coast safely.

Download the BOM Weather App

Learn more about Sun Safety (Cancer Council)

Loving the coast means leaving it as beautiful as you found it. Take your rubbish home – the only thing you should leave behind is your footprints. Litter doesn’t just disappear; it can travel into waterways, break down into microplastics, and be mistaken for food by marine animals. These plastics can then enter the food chain, affecting wildlife and potentially human health. By disposing of rubbish responsibly, we can protect our wildlife, waterways, and communities while keeping our beaches clean and safe for everyone.

Learn More (Keep Australia Beautiful)

Watch the ‘A Little Taste of Plastic’ video