It's perfect beach weather, but don't risk becoming a summer statistic - swim at a patrolled beach.

Through to January 26, Cowes foreshore beach, Woolamai (at the clubhouse) and Smiths Beach have lifesavers on duty, with all three beaches patrolled from 10am – 6pm, seven days a week.

“With the summer holidays upon us, WBSLSC would like to remind everyone to stay safe around the water,” said Ryan Box, Woolamai Surf Life Saving Club’s director of communications.

“Please make sure you swim between the flags and know your limits, and have a chat to one of our friendly lifesavers or lifeguards who will be able to give you more information on the conditions.”

Any changes to the patrol schedule will be shared on Facebook @WoolamaiBeachSLSC.

Ryan encouraged all beach goers to look at the signage displayed before going into the water.

Safety

Life Saving Victoria area lifesaving manager east region Hannah Tzimokas also said beach goers needed to take care in the water.

“The easiest decision you can make to prevent festivities from turning into fatalities is to swim between the red and yellow flags at a patrolled location, such as Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club, Cowes or Smiths Beach, where lifesavers or lifeguards can keep an eye on you and any potential risks, including rips, and help if you find yourself in trouble.”

Ms Tzimokas said it was important not to swim alone and to make sure children were always supervised around water.

“In addition to swimming between the flags, remember to always swim with a friend and actively supervise children, which means always keeping under-fives within arm’s reach and under-tens in your constant and direct eyeline, without distractions such as checking your phone or ducking off for a coffee."

Each year over 50 people are rescued from the surf at Cape Woolamai, with the island’s ocean beaches claiming at least seven lives since January 2016.

Rips

There are dangerous rips at many of Phillip Island’s ocean beaches, so swimming on an unpatrolled beach can be deadly.

At the start of December, local surfers rescued five people from a rip at Berrys Beach

According to research by Surf Life Saving Australia, most Australians don't know how to spot a rip, and two out of three people who think they can get it wrong.

“Rips can overcome even the strongest swimmer,” said Ms Tzimokas.

“While the best way to avoid being caught in a rip is swimming between the flags, there are also visual cues that can indicate a rip current, such as fewer breaking waves, dirty or discoloured water, dark patches of water, or sand or debris floating beyond the surf zone.

“A rip is unlikely to pull you under the water, but it will pull you out – and it can do so with surprising force.

“If you do find yourself caught in a rip, try to remain calm.

“Raise your arm to alert lifesavers or beachgoers that you’re in trouble, and then let the rip take you out while you wait for help. When it releases you, use the breaking waves to come back to shore.

“Alternatively, you can swim parallel to the shore until you’re in the break zone, then use those waves to take you back in.”

The start of a new year is always a dangerous time in the water.

For any questions about the local patrol times or other general beach safety questions, please contact WBSLSC on Facebook @WoolamaiBeachSLSC or Instagram @woolamaislsc.

For more information about the club visit www.woolamaibeach.org.au

To find your nearest patrolled location, head to beachsafe.org.au.

Image: Lifesavers from Woolamai Beach Surf Lifesaving Club on jet skis patrol along Woolamai's beaches, which are notorious for dangerous rips.