Our love affair with the beach can turn deadly in moments


Too often, Australians’ love affair with the surf and the beach can turn quickly to tragedy. In the summer months, somebody in Australia drowns in an ocean rip every 2-3 days, or almost 100 people drown at Australian beaches every year.

To help keep people safe on its beaches this summer, Manly Council is hosting an informative and entertaining free public presentation titled ‘Science of the Surf’ 7.00pm - 8.30pm Thursday 23 January 2014 at Manly Community Centre Hall at 12 Wentworth Street, Manly.

Leading the presentation will be Dr Rob Brander (or ‘Dr Rip’ as he is also known), senior lecturer and surf scientist at the University of New South Wales, and an international expert on rip currents and beaches who is also a surf lifesaver.

In 2012, Dr Rob Brander was presented with the prestigious Australian Government Eureka Science Prize for Promoting Understanding of Science and he is the author of the best seller ‘Dr Rip’s Essential Beach Book’

Manly is one of the most popular recreational destinations in Australia, millions of visitors drawn there every year by its spectacular, two kilometre long surf-beach.

  • Do you know how to spot rip currents and how to get yourself out of one?
  • Do you know how waves form and break?
  • What is a safe wave and what is an unsafe wave?
  • Why are some beaches safer than others? How will your beach be affected by climate change?
  • Why is rock fishing the most dangerous sport in Australia?

Knowing the answers to questions like these could save your life.

 “Keep safe in the surf this summer and understand your favourite beach better,” said Mayor of Manly, Jean Hay.

“Most Australians do not know what a rip is and can’t spot one, yet understanding beaches and surf is crucial for all Australians.”

“Learn how to better ‘read’ the conditions of the beach and surf by attending Dr Brander’s presentation.”

 “Dr Brander’s ‘Science of the Surf’ provides a powerful explanation of coastal processes with an emphasis on beaches and the surf.”

‘Science of the Surf’ is a fascinating, entertaining and multiple award winning presentation about how our beaches work and behave; from the journey of tiny little sand grains onto your favourite beach, to the massive swell that rolls in during big storms, to learning how to spot a deadly rip current.

‘This is essential knowledge for anyone who uses the beach: swimmers, bodysurfers, surfers, families and tourists.’

The talk runs for approximately 1 hour with additional time for questions. One night only.

‘Science of the Surf’ is open to anyone and totally free. Light refreshments will be provided.

The presentation is more suitable to adults and children aged 8 and over.

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

For further information, visit Manly Council

‘Science of the Surf’ is presented by Manly Council as part of it ‘DIG’ (Dream. Inspire. Grow) sustainable living program of events during Sydney Coastal Council’s Group Summerama festival.