always have a PLan
SWIMMING SAFELY
read all SIGNAGE Take the time to read all the safety signage and follow advice given.
carry a mobile phone Call 000 in an emergency.
TAKE NOTE OF ‘BEN’ SIGNAGE ‘BEN’ signage is found at access points to the beach. This identifiable number helps to pinpoint your position in an emergency.
PATROLLED BEACH
SUMMER 2021
coastal safety in esperance @EsperanceCoastalSafety
Twilight Beach lies 7km along the Great Ocean Drive, west of Esperance. Patrols at Twilight Beach run every Sunday from the beginning of December to end of March from 9:00am – 3.30pm, and during the Summer Public Holidays. Always swim between the red and yellow flags.
FAMILY FRIENDLY SWIMMING
Esperance has a variety of family friendly beach options including an enclosed swimming area at the James Street Precint near the Whale Tail. Along the Great Ocean Drive, when the tides are right, you’ll also find a number of natural ocean pools, perfect for a swim.
Esperance is a popular tourism DESTINATION, with MANY visiting to experience the VAST coastline. While going about exploring the region, our aim is to ensure you are aware of the local risks & advocate safe behaviours. here’s what you can do...
Many of these lagoons can be found along the Great Ocean Drive. Discover more at: visitesperance.com
KNOW THE LOCAL HAZARDS
11 mile lagoon 9 mile LAGOON
10 mile lagoon
always have a PLan PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY:
A PROUD INITIATIVE BY: ESPERANCE COASTAL SAFETY Committee IMAGE CREDIT: FINLAY MCKENZIE & Tourism wa
BE shark smart be prepared
THE COASTLINE IS DANGEROUS. LIVES HAVE BEEN LOST. YOUR SAFETY IS YOUR RESPONSIBILTY.
be prepared & take the right gear wear a life jacket If you don’t have one, you can borrow one for free from the below locations: - Tatey’s Fishing World (Norseman Road) - Southern Sports & Tackle (Boulevard Shopping Centre) - Dempster Sporting, (Dempster Street) - Esperance Diving & Fishing, (The Esplanade) - Duke of Orleans Bay Caravan Park (Wharton Road, Condingup) - Moby Marine (Norseman Road)
ROCK FISHING Always tie off on rock bolts. Rope can be obtained free of charge from the above fishing outlets.
DECKEE APP Deckee is the free boating app for local information, weather, navigation aids and official alerts and notices.
be shark smart download the sharksmart WA app Set your beach area and notifications. Check the SharkSmart WA app before heading out of mobile range.
help keep everyone safe Report ALL shark sightings directly to: Water Police on 9442 8600 (save this number in your phone) or via the SharkSmart WA app.
know the local hazards black rocks A black algae grows on coastal rocks along the WA south east coast. It is very slippery when wet. Stay back from these blackened rocks near the high tide mark and avoid walking on at all times.
big swell / king waves
Large waves can occur with no warning. Never turn your back to the ocean. If you get washed off the rocks, stay calm and swim away from the hazard.
RIPS
You can escape a rip by knowing your options: - Stay calm - Raise an arm to seek help - Float with the current until it releases you - Swim parallel to the shore or towards breaking waves so you can use them to help you back to the shore Rips can be difficult to see but can be identified in the following ways. Look out for: - Deeper, dark-coloured water - Fewer breaking waves - A rippled surface surrounded by smooth waters
Rips dont always show all of these signs at once.