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Crushing Waves, Not Shore⁤ Dumps: Are Beach Warnings Failing overseas Visitors?

Australia’s beaches continue to pose fatal risks to overseas-born people, with a recent study suggesting many struggle to understand the‍ warnings presented on signs. The issue highlights‍ a ⁤critical gap in ​dialogue and a need for more culturally sensitive beach safety education.

A Monash University study revealed that beach-related terminology,and even the color of warning signs,are regularly misinterpreted by international visitors. This comes as Australia approaches its peak summer drowning period, prompting cultural⁢ representative bodies to question whether enough is being done‍ to educate visitors about beach ‌safety.

Approximately one-third of​ Australia’s 357 drowning ⁢deaths ​in the⁤ 2024-2025 period were people born overseas. This statistic ‌underscores the urgent‍ need ⁤for improved communication strategies.

The Problem with Terminology

Monash University drowning‍ prevention researcher Masaki Shibata, who is also a ‍surf lifesaver,​ explains that common instructions like “swim between the flags” are open⁤ to misinterpretation. He argues that many​ terms used on‍ Australian beaches simply don’t‌ translate well for non-native English ⁣speakers.

Other problematic terms include “shore dump,”‌ “rip current,” and “submerged object.” These phrases rely on a specific understanding of coastal geography and ocean dynamics ⁢that many visitors lack.

“To make the terms more global, first we have‍ to‍ revise English … shore is location,‍ dump is action, and a lot of people don’t⁣ know what is dumping you or what’s being dumped,” Shibata told AAP. “Can we just simply ‌say ‘crushing waves’ instead, for example, and instead of ‘swim between the flags’, can we just say ‘stay⁤ between the flags