How to stay safe on Australian beaches?

15-year-old Nitisha Negi, who was visiting Australia, drowned at Glenelg beach in Adelaide on Sunday evening. Her body was discovered after 13 hours of tireless searching by police and surf life saving crews. Here's how you can stay safe on Australian beaches.

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Image for representational purposes only. Source: Getty Images

An Indian schoolgirl, Nitisha Negi, who was in Australia to play football at the Pacific School Games drowned at Glenelg beach in Adelaide on Sunday evening.

The 15-year- old was with four other girls at Holdfast Marina at Glenelg when the incident occurred.

Lifesavers were able to rescue the others but were unable to locate Negi until Monday morning when her body was pulled out of the water.
indian girl drowns
Police divers search for a missing Indian National who was reported missing after a group of teenagers were rescued from Glenelg Beach Sunday evening. Source: AAP
According to the 2016-17 , 20 of the 291 people who drowned within Australia during the period were international tourists visiting Australia.

Many Indians have lost their lives in Australia due to drowning.

23-year-old Paul Rayudu, an international student at La Trobe University in Melbourne was swimming with his girlfriend, Virajitha Kelangi at the WaterMarc Aquatic centre in Greensborough in Melbourne in February 2014 

Another Indian student, 25-year-old  in South Australia while taking part in Holi festival in March 2016.

Many Indian immigrants and international students who arrive in Australia may lack the swimming skills required to swim in deep waters.
Nexba has linked with Surf Lifesavers Australia, promoting a healthy, naturally brave lifestyle.
Nexba has linked with Surf Lifesavers Australia, promoting a healthy, naturally brave lifestyle. Source: SBS Small Business Secrets
Australian Water Safety Council states that in last 11 years, (2004-05 to 2014/15), more than three thousand people have drowned in Australia.

Here’s how you can keep yourself safe in water at beaches:

  1. Always swim between the red and yellow flags
  2. Look and take notice of the signs at the beach
  3. Ask a lifeguard or lifesaver for safety advice
  4. Learn how to identify a 
  5. Swim with a friend - never swim or surf alone and children should always be supervised by adults.
  6. If you need help, stay calm and attract attention by raising your arm above your head
  7. Never enter the water if you have been drinking alcohol or are under the influence of drugs
  8. Wear sunscreen, seek shade and stay hydrated
  9. Boat skippers and rockfishers should check the local forecast and always wear a lifejacket
  10. If witnessing an in-water emergency dial Triple Zero (000) – Police
For information on Beach conditions or to find a patrolled beach near you, check out the or download the .
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2 min read
Published 12 December 2017 1:49pm
By Mosiqi Acharya

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