As summer heats up, safety should be front of mind for Kiama’s residents and visitors. Mayor Cameron McDonald has urged everyone to equip themselves with the right tools for emergencies. From first aid to water safety, these apps and tips will help you stay prepared and potentially save lives.

“It’s so important that beach and water users read the signs and follow instructions and safety guidelines. As well as swim and surf safety, wear a life jacket if you are in watercraft and stick to the designated areas. Don’t hit the water after a few drinks and don’t go in alone. Take precautions and wear lifejackets on our rock shelves, where freak waves can occur. Any and all of these things could help prevent another tragedy,” Mayor McDonald said.

Here are the essential safety apps you need this summer:

BeachSafe App

Developed by Surf Life Saving Australia, this is the ultimate resource for beachgoers. It provides real-time information on patrol hours, tides, hazards, and advice on rip currents.

Emergency+ App

Developed by Australia’s emergency services, this app ensures fast contact with Triple Zero (000). It also features the ‘what3words’ location system for pinpoint accuracy.

St John First Responder App

This app combines first aid guidance with GPS features, helping locate nearby defibrillators (AEDs) and assisting emergency responders with your precise location.

Australian Red Cross First Aid App

This free app provides easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions for treating burns, bites, CPR, and more.

Australian Bites & Stings App

Perfect for outdoor adventurers, this app offers guidance on treating bites and stings from Australia’s unique wildlife, including snakes and jellyfish.

iFirstAid App

This offline app offers step-by-step guidance for managing emergencies, whether minor or severe, even without an internet connection.

Water Safety: Spotting and Surviving Rips

Rips are the number one hazard on Australian beaches and can be deadly if not understood. Here’s how to identify them and what to do if you’re caught in one:

How to Spot a Rip Current:

• Look for darker, deeper water with fewer waves breaking.
• Check for foam or debris moving seaward.
• Rip currents often appear as calm channels between areas of breaking waves.

Watch the video here

What to Do If You’re Caught in a Rip:

1. Stay calm. Panicking wastes energy and makes it harder to float.
2. Signal for help. Raise one arm to alert lifeguards or beachgoers.
3. Float and assess. Rips usually flow out to calmer water. Conserve your energy by floating on your back.
4. Swim parallel to the shore. Once out of the rip, swim at an angle back to the beach.

Visit the Float to Survive website here

Stay Informed in Kiama

• Kiama Disaster Dashboard: Access real-time updates on emergencies at emergency.kiama.nsw.gov.au.
• NSW RFS and BOM: Stay updated on bushfire and weather conditions at rfs.nsw.gov.au and bom.gov.au.

This summer, let’s all be prepared, informed, and safe. Download these apps, learn how to spot rips, and enjoy the beauty of Kiama responsibly.