Surfing and bodyboarding can be hugely enjoyable, but if you want to be able to enjoy them in safety then it is vital that you are a strong swimmer with experience in sea swimming. Swimming in the sea is a lot more demanding than swimming in a pool, due to the effects of the waves and currents. If you are new to sea swimming, it's a good idea to practice at a pool with a wave machine, or at a well-supervised surfing beach, before you try any surfing.



Wear your leash at all times, as it could save your life.

Never go surfing alone, and if you have no surfing buddies, at least bring a friend to look out for you from the beach.

If you are a surfer, stay within the black and white flags. Likewise, if you are bodyboarding, stay within the red and yellow flagged areas.

Whether you are a surfing novice or a skilled professional, the same safety rules apply:

Don't ignore lifeguard instructions, or it might cost you your life.

Rip tides

Sometimes, there can be a current, invisible to the outside observer, that is so strong that it drags swimmers out from the shallow water to the deeper water farther out before they know it. These currents are known as rips. You should avoid these at all costs, as they can be very dangerous indeed. However, if you are unlucky, or careless enough to get caught out by a rip tide, here's what to do:

Keep calm and don't panic.

If you can, wade across the ocean floor rather than swim, as this will at least give you some purchase.

If you have a board or an inflatable, hang onto it as it can help you to float.

Don't try to swim directly into the current or you'll tire yourself out.

Swim across the rip until you are free of the current then head for shore.

If you see another person getting carried away by a rip tide, alert the lifeguard, or call emergency services and ask for the Coast Guard.

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