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Before Swimming Down Under Watch This

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    #2
    myhorse
    Registered Users Posts: 339 ✭✭myhorse


    A timely warning.
    Second drowning in a week in Maroubra today.

    Bondi rescue starts again next Sunday so will be keeping an ear to the number of Irish accents.

    Bondi has the infamous backpacker express on the south head and another regular one in North Bondi. Others appear and disappear depending on the waves.

    Tamarama, believe it or not, is one of the most dangerous beaches on the whole east coast so stay clear. Rips everywhere. Their ocean swimming club is awesome as they are such strong swimmers.

    Bronte is also a big boys beach somedays there is only 5 foot between the flags.

    Clovelly is a joy once you stay in side the heads. there is a rip just past them.

    Coogee is pretty good but be careful as neck and back injuries are comoon due to high sand bank.

    Maroubra is tough(ish) especially the south.

    Usually its not swimmers, per say, that get swept out. 90% of the time its people just "playing" close to or just off the shore but are unaware of the sand banks. When they lose their footing they panic as they cant touch the bottom and try to swim back and exhaust themselves or cant swim at all.

    Always respect the ocean and never turn your back on her. She doesnt like that.

    If caught in a rip (swimming back in but getting no where fast and/or going backwords) swim out of it - i.e. swim parallel to the shore not towards it. Once you feel a bit of "give" or some waves and you feel you can make head way then swim in. If you are out of your comfort zone raise your arm and make a waving motion with your arm towards the shore to attract attention. Also remember if there are surfers near by try to attract them as they will not let you go under (they wont be gentle about getting you on the board but they will).

    edit: there are beautiful rock pools and ocean pools at most beaches. Try the one in Bronte - it's iconic and in the evenings you think your in heaven. Coogee have 4 lovely ones (one women only). Try them if you feel your not a strong swimmer before trying to swim Bondi to Coogee (without the aid of a rip)


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