Patrolled Beaches - Phillip Island

Although it can be very fun, it can also be unpredictable and dangerous to people who are unaware of the hazards. That’s why lifeguards who understand the beach use a system of flags and signs to advise the people who visit with the things they need to know.

The most important flags on the beach are the red and yellow flags. These show the supervised area of the beach and that a lifesaving service is operating. If there are no red and yellow flags, you should not go swimming.

Patrolled Beaches Phillip Island

Woolamai Life Saving Club patrol some Phillip Island beaches during the summer months. For patrol information visit www.woolamaibeach.org.au/patrols. We highly recommend that members of the public only swim between the red and yellow flags during patrolled hours.

🏖️Cowes Beach

👩‍👧‍👦For families and beachgoers, Cowes Main Beach (included in the top 10 best beaches in Australia for 2025) is recommended for its low waves, sheltered foreshore, picnic tables and close access to toilets, amenities, restaurants, shops and of course, ice cream!

🏄Smiths Beach

Smiths Beach is an excellent option for beachgoers searching for waves to bodyboard or surf, and you can explore the rock pools at low tide. Please swim at patrolled times and between the flags at all times.

🏄‍♂️Cape Woolamai Beach

This is a surf beach for experienced bathers and surfers only. The waves are usually large, and the rips are strong and close inshore. Stay between the flags at all times and avoid the rips, as an average of 55 people are rescued annually. This hazardous beach has the third-highest number of rescues per year in Victoria. Wading in the shallow waters can also be very dangerous. If you want to swim, please consider Cowes Main Beach.

There are many myths about the ocean, but rips are the number one hazard on Australian beaches. Avoid rips by swimming at a patrolled beach between the red and yellow flags. For more information on rips, click here.