Lifeguards warn swimmers of dangerous bar conditions

Lifeguard supervisor Will Apps said lifeguards have performed 76 rescues over the first 15 days of patrol at Bar Beach.

“Water is always moving here and it can be hard to see if you aren’t experienced.

“For those who swim up the lake – it is very calm, it’s here at the mouth where the entrance is small and a lot of water is pushing out,” Mr Apps said.

Throughout the king tide period in early December, lifeguards were performing 10 to 13 rescues per day.

“It is a mix of people swimming across to the other side, quite common we see parents that will take their children.

“On an incoming tide they will make it over there fine but on the way back they might get in trouble and swept around the corner,” Mr Apps said.

“It’s not just on an outgoing tide that people get stuck, it’s also when the tide is coming in, it is just as dangerous and we are having to do a lot of rescues.”

Mr Apps encouraged beach goers to ask lifeguards about the conditions before entering the water.

“It’s normally always about swimming in between the flags, but here it is different, there are no flags – it is too small of a beach,” Mr Apps said.

“The east corner by the rocks is the safest place to swim but if you are unsure just ask one of the lifeguards and we will point it out for you.”

Mr Apps said swimmers should be mindful of the tide. “A lot of people will read the tide times but not realise that water will continue to pull an hour either side of the low and high tide chart times. 

“Stay where you can stand, if you go a little bit out of your depth the current can sweep you off your feet,” he said.

“If you feel like you are in trouble don’t try and swim against the current, stay calm and put your hand up for help.”

With Australia Day just around the corner, lifeguards remind everyone that drinking alcohol and swimming do not mix.