Life savers use dye for rip tide danger on Aussie beaches

Australian authorities have come up with a novel new way to warn beach goers of the dangers of swimming in rough seas on Friday, after they released a dye into dangerous surf at the site of Victoria's latest drowning.

Since July, 13 people have died along Victoria's southern surf coast, which was found to be five more than the average recorded over the past five years.

The spike prompted authorities to once again warn of the dangers that rip tides pose to swimmers and surfers alike, with life savers releasing a colorful dye into the rip at Gunnamatta surf beach, south of Melbourne.

The dye illustrated the fast-moving nature of the rip and showed swimmers how quickly becoming overpowered by a undertow can occur.

Life Saving Victoria spokesperson Paul Shannon told the media that rips were an unseen danger for inexperienced swimmers, and stressed the need for beach goers to be aware of their surroundings while swimming.

He said rips could form not only at surf beaches along the ocean, but in other coastal locations such as bays.

"Some key signs to spot a rip include deeper, darker water, fewer breaking waves, sandy-colored water extending beyond the surf zone and debris or seaweed," Shannon said.

Shannon said it was best not to attempt to fit the rip, instead, stay calm and signal to the beach for help, where lifeguards are ready to pluck any stragglers out of the surf.

"We suggest you raise an arm, call out to seek help and either float with the current or swim parallel to the beach," he said.

"Reassess the situation, if what you're doing isn't working, try another option in your attempt to return to shore."

According to local media, around 20 people die at Australian beaches each year. Endit