A new rip warning sign has been installed at the northern end of Blackmans Bay Beach, less than three months after a dramatic rescue prompted urgent calls for action.
Kingborough Council confirmed the sign was in place this week following a push from councillors after three young swimmers were swept towards the blowhole in January.
Outgoing mayor Paula Wriedt said the new sign alerts swimmers to the possibility of rip currents in the area.
“Rips are one of the most common hazards on Australian beaches,” Wriedt said.
“Council is continuing to work with Surf Life Saving Tasmania to improve signage and messaging on non-patrolled beaches.”
She said key warning signs included deeper and darker water, fewer breaking waves, sandy coloured water extending beyond the surf zone and significant water movement.
“It can sometimes be easier to look for where the waves are breaking consistently and then look to each side where they don’t break consistently,” Wriedt said.
She urged swimmers caught in a rip to stay calm, wave for help and swim parallel to the beach towards the breaking waves.
The push for signage gained momentum after four teenagers rescued three swimmers aged 12, 15 and 16 from a rip at the beach on January 31.
The rescued swimmers were taken to the Royal Hobart Hospital in a stable condition.
