Understanding the ocean is very important – the more you know about how waves, wind and tides affect conditions in the water, the better able you are to keep yourself safe, or even rescue others from danger. Recognising danger signs and awareness of surf conditions is essential to beach safety.

The Jan Juc SLSC have put together a series of fact sheets to enable you to spot the dangers and inform you of how to best tackle the situation if you find yourself caught in difficult circunstances.

People get into difficulty in the water usually through a sequence of several factors. Grouped together they are know as the 'drowning chain'.

The Sequence

The Counter Measure

Ignorance, disregard or misjudgment of danger.

Education and information.

Uninformed or unrestricted access to the hazard.

Denial of access and/or provision of warnings.

Lack of supervision and surveillance.

Supervision.

Inability to cope once in difficulty.

Acquisition of survival skills.

SLSA has developed a Total Service Plan to concerntrate on all four areas on the drowning cycle by providing education and information, signage, warnings and barriers from dangerous areas, supervision via surf lifesavers and lifeguards and teaching basic surf safety.

You can take steps to break the 'drowning chain' by educating and familiarising yourself with basic resuscitation techniques and by "Knowing Your Beach".

JAN JUC BEACH

Swimming Conditions – A potentially hazardous beach owing to the higher waves and persistent rips. More suitable for experienced bathers and surfers. Stay between the flags and away from the rips and rocks.

Surfing Conditions – Usually variable beach breaks, however Bird Rock can provide excellent rights with a moderate swell and higher tide.

Fishing Conditions – Best towards the northern end where rip holes are more persistent.

BEACHSAFE WEBSITE

Shows current information and conditions for Jan Juc Beach, showing patrol services, hazards and facilities as well as weather, swell and tide details.