Health & Safety

Whether visiting the Great Barrier Reef, enjoying our beautiful beaches, exciting cities or the splendour of our bushland, there are some simple safety tips that you should follow to ensure that your visit to Queensland is as enjoyable as possible.

• 000 (from a fixed line)
• 112 (from a mobile phone)

• Always wear a broad-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and cover-up with shirt.
• Apply broad-spectrum SPF 30+ (or higher) water-resistant sunscreen and
• Avoid the sun between 10am and 3pm (including cloudy days).
• Drink water to avoid dehydration.
• Ensure you wear appropriate footwear such as sturdy boots and socks in outback and rainforest areas.
• Warm clothing is necessary in some inland regions, as temperatures drop to below 0c at night (winter months June - August).

• F - Find the flags and swim between them.
  Always swim between the red and yellow flags - not outside them. The flags mark the safest place to swim and the area where lifesavers and lifeguards patrol.
• L - Look at the safety signs.
  They help you identify potential dangers and daily conditions at the beach — if you are not sure ask a lifesaver what they represent.
• A - Ask a lifesaver for some good advice.
  Surf conditions can change quickly so talk to a lifesaver before entering the water.
• G - Get a friend to swim with you.
  Swim with a friend so you can look out for each other’s safety and get help if needed.Children should always be supervised by an adult.
• S - Stick up (raise) your hand for help.
  If you get into trouble raise your arm to signal for help, stay calm, float and wait for assistance.

From late October to early March, in the warm waters of the northern coasts of Queensland, starting at Gladstone, box jelly fish (stingers) are prevalent. Beaches usually have warning signs where this situation exists and it is advisable to swim where protective enclosures are provided.