Understanding the ocean is very important – the more you know about how waves, wind and tides affect conditions in the water, the better able you are to keep yourself safe, or even rescue others, from danger. Recognising danger signs and awareness of surf conditions is essential to beach safety.
The Jan Juc SLSC have put together a series of fact sheets to enable you to spot the dangers and inform you of how to best tackle the situation if you find yourself caught in difficult circumstances.
Jan Juc Beach
The Jan Juc Surf Life Saving Club was founded in 1963 and annually rescues an average of 30 people.
Jan Juc Ocean Beach is rated highly hazardous. It is Torquay’s second and more exposed surfing beach. The variable beach and conditions warrant extra care.
Jan Juc Beach is located immediately south of Torquay and is a little more exposed, receiving waves averaging 1.4m. It extends for 1.2km between Rocky Point and Bird Rock and faces almost due south, resulting in larger waves. The waves combine with the fine to medium sand to produce a single bar cut by three to four rips, with permanent rips against the rocks at each end. The northern half of the beach is backed by low bluffs, partly covered by dunes. The surf lifesaving club, parking and access, together with Jan Juc Creek, are in the centre, while the narrow southern half of the beach is backed by 20m high cliffs.
The flags are generally placed towards the surf club at the northern end of the beach where swimming conditions are generally safer.
The Jan Juc Surf Life Saving Club is a 100% volunteer run organisation and depends entirely on fundraising and donations to keep lifesavers on the beach.
Donations are always welcome and used to maintain rescue gear, purchase essential lifesaving services equipment, deliver training courses and provide quality lifesaving services.
Donations can be made to:
Jan Juc S.L.S.C., P.O. Box 179, Torquay, 3228.
More lifesaving information can be found at:
http://www.lifesavingvictoria.com.au/
http://www.slsa.com.au/
Swimming Conditions
A potentially hazardous beach owing to the higher waves and persistent rips. More suitable for experienced bathers and surfers. Stay between the flags and away from the rips and rocks.
Surfing Conditions
Usually variable beach breaks, however Bird Rock can provide excellent rights with a moderate swell and higher tide.
Fishing Conditions
Best toward the northern end where rip holes are more persistent.
Fact Sheets available for download:
Full version:
Know Your Beach Facts Sheets (844.7 KB)
Individual versions:
1. Flags (61 KB)
2. Rip Currents (110 KB)
3. Safety Signs (120 KB)
4. Large Surf (96 KB)
5. King Tides (68 KB)
6. Waves (80 KB)
7. Spinal Injury Awarreness (73 KB)
8. Body Surfing & Board Riding (77 KB)
9. Alcohol & Swimming (66 KB)
10. Sun Safe at the Beach (74 KB)
11. Lost Children at the Beach (74 KB)
12. Rock Falls (107 KB)
13. Shark Safety (66 KB)
14. Beach Layout (128 KB)
Don't Get Sucked in by the Rip