Ignoring Rip Currents in Queensland, Australia
On Queensland’s stunning beaches, such as the Gold Coast and Surfers Paradise in Australia, visitors often swim between the red and yellow flags marked by lifeguards for safety. However, when caught in a rip current—a powerful, narrow channel of fast-moving water pulling seaward—even strong swimmers panic and exhaust themselves fighting directly back to shore. Instead of floating to conserve energy or swimming parallel to the beach to escape, many struggle futilely. Rip currents cause an average of around 21-26 drowning deaths annually across Australia, with thousands more rescued; locals and Surf Life Saving urge tourists to always learn rip survival tips: stay calm, float, and signal for help. No beach day is worth underestimating these invisible hazards.
Queensland’s beaches claim lives through hidden currents down south – but up in the tropics, box jellyfish and Irukandji wait patiently. Flip the page to Cairns, where venturing into the water during stinger season ignores the ultimate marine poison…
