Look After Yourself

ANIMALS found in intertidal and coastal areas are usually harmless to people but there are some, which are potentially dangerous.

Learn to recognise possible animal hazards and do not pick them up or handle them. These include octopus, cone shells, sea jellies (jellyfish) and other marine stingers.

Make sure you can always see where you place your hands. Octopus, including the potentially dangerous blue ringed octopus, rest in dark crevices and discarded cans and tyres.

Wear adequate protective footwear when exploring intertidal rockpools and other coastal environments. Some animals have spines, which can penetrate the skin if stood on. Some spines may be poisonous. Many shells and rocks also have sharp edges, which can easily cut skin. Be extra careful on slippery rocks if there are large waves.

SUNBURN will occur all year round when the skin is exposed to the sun for long periods.

Ensure adequate protection from the sun, by wearing a hat, loose clothing and sunscreen.

COASTAL CLIFFS can be extremely fragile. Many are quite soft and often collapse without warning

Avoid standing close to under the edges of sea cliffs or under overhangs.

Protected Areas

Some parts of the coast are designated as Marine Protected Areas for the protection of animal and plant communities, as well as historical and cultural relics. Within these protected areas there are usually regulations which may relate to the protection of plants and animals.

Find out the regulations that apply within these areas. These can be obtained from the Department of Natural Resources and Environment

Do not disturb rock shelters, shell middens, stone arrangements and rock art left by the ancestors of today'' Aboriginal people. All are protected by law.

Leave relics of early settlers so we can learn about the past.

Shipwrecks should be left as found, as important archaeological information is lost of a site is disturbed.