Australians and water go hand in hand. Whether it’s a weekend at Bondi, a riverbank in Victoria or a tropical escape in Bali, the instinct to jump in runs deep. But that familiarity can breed overconfidence—and overseas, the water doesn’t always play by the same rules. The travel brochure might promise serenity, but the ocean has its own currents, and hotel pools aren’t always built with safety in mind. The truth is, many travellers discover the dangers of water the hard way, often when it’s too late.
Before even packing your bags, there’s a simple step that many overlook: reading up on where you’re going. While Australia’s lifeguard-patrolled beaches and tightly regulated pools are something locals take for granted, many destinations have neither. Knowing this in advance can shift the way you plan your day, pick your hotel or choose your tour provider. It can even save a life.
Natural waters—oceans, lakes, rivers—pose the most obvious risks, and often the most unpredictable. The water might look calm, but beneath the surface it could be dragging hard. Rip currents are the classic example: invisible to the eye but powerful enough to sweep even the strongest swimmer far from shore. Then there are underwater rocks, sudden drops, entangling vegetation and murky debris after storms. It’s worth asking a local before diving in, especially if no one else seems to be swimming. There might be crocodiles, jellyfish, or simply a history of drownings. If there’s a red flag flying, or even no signage at all, it’s a clue to slow down and ask questions.
Even rivers, often romanticised in travel stories, can deceive. Flash floods, slippery rocks and pollution can turn an idyllic spot into a dangerous trap. And lakes can conceal cold temperatures that shock the body or debris stirred up after rainfall. Swimming alone adds another layer of risk. If trouble strikes and there’s no one nearby, there’s little room for recovery.
Back on dry land—or so it seems—pools are a different story. In Australia, pool fencing, depth markings and lifeguards are par for the course. Abroad, that’s not guaranteed. A villa might back onto a pool with no barrier, and hotel pools often lack supervision. Travellers with children need to be particularly alert. If your toddler can open the sliding door, you’ve got a potential hazard. Some accommodation providers offer temporary fencing, but it’s on the traveller to ask.
Hotels in tropical destinations might boast elaborate pools with waterfalls and ledges, but safety features often lag behind design aesthetics. Parents should check for slippery edges, unusual depths and easy exits. Even for adults, a pool at night—poorly lit and perhaps accompanied by a few drinks—can become a trap.
And that brings us to alcohol. It lowers inhibitions, slows reflexes and blurs judgment. It’s no coincidence that many overseas drowning incidents involve alcohol. A few drinks in the sun can turn into a miscalculation in the water. You might dive where it’s too shallow, slip on the pool’s edge or underestimate a current. If you’re too drunk to drive, you’re too drunk to swim—or to supervise kids in water. That goes double for boats.
Boating brings its own set of hazards. Jet skis, kayaks, banana boats and fishing trips—these are staples of beachside holidays. But safety standards vary wildly. Some countries have regulations; others don’t. A boat ride in Thailand or snorkelling off the coast of the Philippines can be unforgettable—but only if the gear holds up and the operator knows what they’re doing. Choose your tour provider like you’d choose a doctor: with care. Check reviews, ask about their certifications, and have a look at their safety equipment. A cracked life jacket or a boat overloaded with passengers should be a red flag. If the gear looks dodgy, ask for a replacement or don’t go. Trust your instincts.
It’s also wise to check the weather forecast. Tour providers often push ahead regardless of conditions, but travellers don’t have to go along. If storms are brewing or high winds are forecast, it’s okay to cancel—even if others seem ready. Nature won’t care about your itinerary. Life jackets aren’t optional; they’re insurance.
Wildlife adds yet another unpredictable layer. The creatures lurking in unfamiliar waters can be beautiful, deadly or both. Crocodiles, alligators and jellyfish aren’t just local stories—they’re serious risks across Africa, Asia, the Pacific and the Americas. Even hippos, often treated as novelty animals in books, are one of the biggest threats to boats in Africa’s rivers and lakes. Danger isn’t always advertised with signs. Often, it’s passed down locally—through fishermen’s warnings, old stories and recent scares. Ask around. Locals know.
And then there are the less dramatic but still dangerous encounters: sea urchins that puncture feet, stinging anemones, or parasites in freshwater rivers. Some lakes and rivers abroad carry bacteria that can cause serious illness. Just because someone else jumped in doesn’t mean it’s safe.
Travelling, at its best, is about discovery. It’s about jumping into new experiences, quite literally in some cases. But that sense of freedom should come with a bit of restraint. Water is beautiful, calming and thrilling. But it’s also unpredictable, and doesn’t care where you’re from or how many laps you swim at home. It behaves differently in every part of the world. And when things go wrong overseas, help can be slower, hospitals may be unfamiliar, and insurance may not always cover your choices.
Australians are among the world’s most confident swimmers. That’s a good thing—until confidence tips into assumption. The key is preparation. Know the country, its waters, its risks. Treat each beach, pool or river like a new experience. That’s how to enjoy the thrill without the danger.
To learn more, the Royal Life Saving Society Australia has detailed advice tailored to travellers. It’s not about fear—it’s about being water-wise. A bit of planning could mean the difference between a great story and a tragic one.
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🌊 Aussie travellers often underestimate overseas water risks. 💀 Rip currents, poor pool safety & wildlife pose hidden dangers. 🚤 Check operators, avoid alcohol & wear life jackets. Stay alert — foreign waters play by different rules. #TheIndianSunhttps://t.co/D0swmIbH6X
— The Indian Sun (@The_Indian_Sun) June 6, 2025
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