International Students

Enjoying the great outdoors

Australians love their outdoor lifestyle and many of us grow up around the coast enjoying the surf, or living on the land learning to read the weather, and to live with the multitude of wildlife and creatures who share it with us. Just as you know and learn to live with the many beautiful and challenging features of your own country and culture, it is neither good nor bad, better or worse, just different if it’s new to us or normal if it isn’t. If you want to experience these elements of Australian life and culture, please make yourself aware of the many things we know about them.

Visitor Information Centres

Visitor or Tourist Information Centres operate all over Australia and provide a welcome point for maps, tours and local advice. Look out for the distinctive blue and yellow ‘i’ sign as you travel around Australia. The sign is a pointer to a Visitor Information Centre, part of a network of accredited information centres across the country.

Tips from the locals
Open seven days a week (except Good Friday and Christmas Day), Visitor Information Centres are staffed by friendly, professional and trained people with extensive local knowledge. They can provide reliable information on attractions, activities and events, help you make reservations for accommodation or sightseeing tours, or give up-to-the-minute advice on travel in the area. Wherever you go, drop by a local accredited Visitor Information Centre to help you get the most out of your travels.

Sun Safety

Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world. In fact, one in every two Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer at some point during their lifetime. The good news is it can be prevented. By minimising your exposure to the sun’s damaging ultraviolet radiation (UVR), you can protect your skin and prevent the development of skin cancer.

Sun Protection
Skin cancer and skin damage are caused by being exposed to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet radiation (UVR). The key to preventing skin cancer is to protect your skin from the sun by practising sun safe behaviours. There are six simple steps you can follow to reduce your risk of skin cancer and protect your skin:

Minimise your time in the sun between 10am and 3pm.
Seek shade.
Wear suitable clothing that provides good sun protection.
Choose a broad brim, legionnaire-style or bucket-style hat that will protect your face, neck and ears.
Wear UV protective sunglasses.
Apply SPF 30+ broad spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen 20 minutes before you go out into the sun.

Beach Safety

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 an essential part of lifesaving.

Remember the F-L-A-G-S and Stay Safe

F Find the flags and swim between them - the red and yellow flags mark the safest place to swim at the beach.
L Look at the safety signs - they help you identify potential dangers and daily conditions at the beach.
A Ask a surf lifesaver for some good advice - surf conditions can change quickly so talk to a surf lifesaver or lifeguard before entering the water.
G Get a friend to swim with you - so you can look out for each other's safety and get help if needed. Children should always be supervised by an adult.
S Stick your hand up for help - if you get into trouble in the water, stay calm, and raise your arm to signal for help. Float with a current or rip - don't try and swim against it.

And remember – NEVER

Never swim at unpatrolled beaches
Never swim at night
Never swim under the influence of alcohol
Never run and dive into the water
Never swim directly after a meal

The Surf Environment

Rips
A rip is a strong current running out to sea. Rips are the cause of most rescues performed at beaches. A rip usually occurs when a channel forms between the shore and a sandbar, and large waves have built up water which then returns to sea, causing a drag effect. The larger the surf the stronger the rip. Rips are dangerous as they can carry a weak or tired swimmer out into deep water.

Identifying a Rip

The following features will alert you to the presence of a rip:

darker colour, indicating deeper water
murky brown water caused by sand stirred up off the bottom
smoother surface with much smaller waves, alongside white water (broken waves)
waves breaking further out to sea on both sides of the rip
debris floating out to sea
a rippled look, when the water around is generally calm

Surf Skills

Escaping From a Rip

If you are caught in a rip:
Don't Panic - stay calm
If you are a strong swimmer, swim at a 45 degree angle across the rip and in the same direction as the current until you reach the breaking wave zone, then return to shore
If you are a weak or tired swimmer, float with the current, don't fight it. Swim parallel to the shore for about 30 - 40m until you reach the breaking wave zone, then swim back to shore or signal for help.
Remember to stay calm and conserve your energy.

Negotiating the Surf
Before entering the surf, always make note of a landmark such as a building or headland that can be seen from the water and used as a guide for maintaining a fixed position. Also check the depth of any gutter and the height of any sandbank before diving under waves – this will help prevent spinal injury.

When going out through the surf, negotiate the shallows by a high hurdle type of stride until the breakers reach your waist or until your progress is slowed. Waves of any size and force should not be fought against and should be negotiated by diving underneath, giving you time to reach the bottom and lie as flat as possible on the sand while the wave passes over.

Your hands can be dug into the sand in front at arm's length for stability and as a pull forward when ready to surface.

If the water is deep enough, bring your knees up under your body so you can get a good push off the bottom, like an uncoiling spring. This gives added force to your next dive. Repeat this process until in chest-deep water, and then start swimming.

If a broken wave approaches when the water is not too deep, dive down and run or crawl along the bottom. In deep water, do not use extra energy trying to reach the bottom; instead duckdive to just below the turbulence. Wait for the wash to pass and then push or kick to the surface (off the bottom, if possible). Stick to your predetermined path on the swim out.

Check your position by occasionally raising your head for a quick look when swimming on top of a swell.

Bush and Outback Safety

Australia has many extraordinary and beautiful places to explore. If you are going on a trip, travel with other people, make sure someone knows where you are at all times and stay on a road or a walking track.

In the Bush
Be prepared if you plan some time in our bushland. Plan your hike. Always tell someone where you are going and what time you expect to return. Let them know when you return safely.

Check the weather forecast and be prepared for unexpected changes in weather.
Check the length and degree of difficulty of your planned walk. Consider using a local guide when taking long or difficult walks.
When walking or exploring outdoors drink plenty of water (allow at least one litre of water per hour of walking). Wear sturdy shoes and socks, a hat, sunscreen lotion, comfortable clothing and insect repellent. Other handy items for long bushwalks include food, warm clothing, first aid supplies, a torch and a map.
Never walk alone. Read maps and signs carefully. Stay on the track and stay behind safety barriers.
Never dive into a rock-pool, creek, lake or river. Stay away from cliff edges and waterfalls.
Do not feed or play with native animals. You might get bitten or scratched.
Limit your use of fire. Use a fuel stove for cooking and wear thermal clothing to keep warm. Never leave fires unattended or unconfined.
Visit the ranger station or park information centre to obtain details on the best places to visit and any additional safety tips for that park.

Advice for Motorists Caught in Bush Fires
Bush fires are common occurrences in Australia during our often long hot summers. If you are in smoke and fire-affected areas, you should stay off the roads. If you must get in the car, put your headlights on, dress in protective clothing and footwear and make sure you take food and water - you could be stuck for long periods if your journey is blocked by road closures. Turn the car radio on and keep it tuned to local stations for bush fire updates.

If you are caught in the middle of a bush fire, park the car immediately and remain calm.
Look for a clear area, preferably off the road. Areas clear of grass or bush are safest - they will not sustain fires of high intensity.
Do not leave the vehicle. Many people have lost their lives by exiting the vehicle only to be trapped on foot in the open. Your vehicle will help protect you from radiant heat, the chief danger.
Switch the ignition off. It is unlikely that a vehicle’s fuel tank will explode from the heat of a passing bush or grass fire.
Close all windows and vents or turn vents to recycle.
Put the headlights on so that the car is as visible as possible, especially to fire tankers.
Everyone must get down on the floor, below window height and cover all exposed skin with a wool or cotton blanket. Do not use synthetics, which may give off toxic vapours or melt.
Stay in the vehicle until the fire front has passed. Generally this will take between 30 seconds and one minute. During this time it will be hot, noisy and frightening. It will last a short time even though it may seem longer.
If you have water, drink it.
Never attempt to drive through smoke or flame. Crashes can occur when drivers run off the road, striking trees or other cars.
Once the fire front has passed, exit the vehicle and inspect it for damage before proceeding.
Do not proceed until you are satisfied that the fire has passed and that you are not likely to be trapped a second time.
Falling trees and branches are a hazard during and after intense fires. Do not park or drive under trees.
Exit the area as quickly as possible. Remember fire vehicles may be trying to enter the area and your presence may hinder fire fighting operations.

(Source: NRMA)

In the Outback
Australia’s outback is vast. Our remote wilderness areas have few towns and facilities, often with large distances between them, so be aware and plan your trip.

When planning each day of travel spend some time to calculate how long it will take to drive between destinations. Be realistic about how far you can drive in a day.
Inform family and friends or the local police of your travel plans. The local police can also provide helpful advice on facilities and road conditions.
Always carry a current road map.
Make sure your vehicle is in good working order and has been serviced recently.
Use a four-wheel drive vehicle on unsealed roads in remote areas. Take extra care when driving these vehicles. For example, drive at reduced speeds on unsealed roads.
Always carry a spare tyre, tools and water. If travelling to remote areas off major highways take extra food, water, fuel and tyres. Do not overload your vehicle and never carry spare fuel inside an enclosed vehicle.
If you have trouble with your vehicle, don’t leave your vehicle because it will provide you with shade and protection from the heat. Wait for help to come to you.
Hire appropriate emergency communication equipment, such as a satellite phone or an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon device (EPIRB).
Obey road closure signs and stay on recognised routes.
Fires in desert and bush areas can spread very quickly. If required, be prepared to evacuate the area immediately.
Australian wildlife and livestock often graze on the roadside and can stray onto the road. Be very careful when driving at sunrise, sunset and at night, when animals are most active. If an animal crosses in front of you brake gently, do not swerve wildly to avoid it.
During daylight hours always drive with your headlights on low beam, as outback conditions can make it difficult to see oncoming vehicles.

(Source: Visit Victoria. com)

Snow safety

The alpine environment is a beautiful destination for winter or summer holidays and a venue for many challenging and exciting activities including skiing and bushwalking. The Alps however, can be hazardous if visitors are careless or irresponsible.

Trip intentions – let someone know before you go. Check in when you return.
Leave a written record of your trip plans with a reliable person so that person can notify the appropriate authorities without delay if you fail to return when expected. The information should include:

Names, addresses and phone numbers of all in the party
Details of planned trip
Location, make and registration of vehicle used
The reliable person should be a friend or relative at home, or a member of your lodge.

In addition, if an intentions book is provided where you start your trip, please use it – even on the shortest trips.

Emergencies – what to do

If you do find yourself in difficulties stop and think.
Identify your last confirmed position and estimate your current location.
Believe your compass. It is more likely to be right than your unaided sense of direction.
Decide if you will proceed or if you will camp.
If your party is still strong and you can set a course which must bring you to a known position in a reasonable time, then you could proceed.
If any party member is fatigued or you are not sure of your ability to navigate to known country, then camp and await assistance.

Knowledge of your own capabilities is the next most important safety factor. Individual skiing skills and fitness levels vary greatly. What is quite safe for one person to attempt may be foolhardy for someone else. Know your capabilities and keep well within them when out touring.

If lost, retrace your steps if you can, if not STAY PUT!

If you decide to make a temporary camp (bivouac)

Select a site out of the wind, use trees, logs or rocks as wind breaks.
Build the best shelter you can. Dig into the snow at the base of a tree or rocks. Use skis, poles and branches to roof the shelter before covering it with snow. Do not get wet in the process. If necessary remove some clothing or gloves to keep them dry while building the shelter.
Make your location visible to searchers, ie: stand a pair of skis crossed in the snow and attach a bright object to them.
In the shelter, insulate yourself from the snow with branches, skis, poles, or packs.
If you can, light a fire on a platform of small logs. Aim to stay dry and huddle together for warmth.
Wait for assistance to come to you.

Safety checklist – helpful hints

Plan your trip carefully
Know the signs of hypothermia
Get fit to go skiing
Let someone know before you go
Take mobile phone and emergency contact numbers
Take care on alpine roads
Practice fitting wheel chains before leaving home
Wear appropriate wind and waterproof clothing (never wear jeans)
Always wear a hat and gloves
Wear skin and eye protection
Take care of and check your equipment before skiing
Regularly check weather, snow and skiing conditions
If lost, stop, seek shelter and wait for help
Ski within your capabilities
Take ski lessons
Take extra care with children
Eat appropriate food before and during ski and bush activities
Always ski in control
Drive cautiously, particularly in the snow
Watch for weather changes
Never ski alone
Never remove your skis when conditions are icy particularly on steep slopes
Never ski or walk over frozen lakes, dams or creeks
Take care of the environment.

(Source: www.Snowsafe.org.au)

Storm Safety

Storms can happen anywhere and at any time of the year. Storms are more common during storm season – from October to the end of April, but it is important to be aware all year round.

Severe storms can cause major damage. They may be accompanied by torrential rain, strong winds, large hailstones, loud thunder and lightning. Storms can cause flash flooding, unroof buildings, and damage trees and powerlines.

You can also be indirectly affected by storms even if your property is not damaged; such as loosing power, or access roads being cut.

The SES is responsible for managing the clean-up and helping people during and after a storm.

During a storm, there are some things you can do to stay safe:

Stay indoors and away from windows.
Unplug sensitive electrical devices like computers, televisions and video recorders.
Listen to your radio for weather updates.
Don’t use a landline telephone during an electrical storm.

If you are caught outside during storm:

Get inside a vehicle or building if possible.
If no shelter is available, crouch down, with your feet close together and head tucked in.
If in a group – spread out, keeping people several metres apart.

Dangerous Animals and Plants

Australia is home to a variety of native animals. Even if they seem friendly to you, do not touch or feed them - they are not used to close contact with humans and may hurt you.

If you are visiting any of Australia’s beautiful parks or forests:

Be wary of animals in their natural habitat. Stay well back from goannas, crocodiles, snakes, dingoes, cassowaries, and also wild pigs, cattle, horses and buffaloes. People have been seriously injured or killed by wild animals. Be very careful about approaching any injured animal, such as kangaroos or possums. They are likely to bite and scratch if you attempt to touch or move them.
Never feed or play with wildlife. Native animals are by nature timid; however, having been provided food from people may become aggressive in pursuit of food. You may get bitten or scratched. In addition, human foods may be harmful to native animals.

In the warm waters of Tropical Queensland:

Take care to avoid marine stingers.
Do not enter water where crocodiles may live.

Bites and Stings
The majority of insects in Australia are not harmful to humans. Some insects bite and sting if they are threatened so it is best to avoid touching them if you want to avoid being stung or bitten.

The Australia-wide Poisons Information Centres have a common telephone number: 131 126.

Some people are allergic to certain insect bites or venom. In the case of an allergic reaction to bites or stings, medical attention should be sought immediately. Call a doctor or hospital for guidance, or 000.

Anaphylaxis – allergic reactions
Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can occur in sensitive individuals from exposure to any chemicals foreign to the body, including bites and stings, plants, or medications. Parts of the body, for example the face or throat swell up so much that the patient can't breathe. In severe cases the patient may go into shock within a few minutes and the heart can stop. For any patient who shows signs of anaphylaxis, call 000 for an ambulance, and have the patient taken immediately to the emergency department of the nearest hospital.

General First Aid for Bites and Stings
For bites or stings from these creatures seek first aid assistance straight away, stay calm, and as immobile as possible:

all species of Australian snakes, including sea snakes
funnel web spiders
blue ringed octopus
cone shell stings

For all other bites and stings: Seek or apply basic first aid.

Wash with soap and water and apply an antiseptic if available.
Ensure that the patient's tetanus vaccination is up to date.
Apply an ice-pack to reduce local pain and swelling.
Pain relief may be required eg. paracetamol or an antihistamine (to reduce swelling, redness and itch)
The patient should seek medical advice if they develop any other symptoms or signs of infection.

(Source Queensland Health)