5/3/26 Beach Smart, Beach Fun Brings Science of the Surf to Life at Cape Woolamai
5/3/26
Bass Coast Shire Council is inviting the community to a free, family-friendly beach safety event at Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club, featuring one of Australia’s leading coastal experts, Professor Rob Brander, widely known as Dr Rip.
Taking place on Saturday, March 7, the event will combine science, surf safety and hands-on learning to help people better understand how beaches work and how to stay safe in the water.
The centrepiece of the day is Science of the Surf, a visually powerful and engaging educational presentation by Professor Brander.
This will include a live rip current demonstration, in which environmentally safe coloured dye will be poured in the water to show where and how rip currents flow, and why they pose a risk to swimmers.
The demonstration will provide a clear and memorable insight into rips, which are the number-one hazard for swimmers at Australia’s beaches.
“When people see how quickly a rip can move that dye from the shoreline out to the deep water, it really hits home that you need to take care in these coastal environments,” Professor Brander said.
“We want everyone to be able to enjoy our beaches and waterways, so we must educate the community how to do so safely. This event is a fantastic opportunity to do that.”
Bass Coast Shire Council Mayor, Cr Rochelle Halstead, said the event is about empowering everyone who enjoys the coastline with practical, life-saving knowledge.
“Bass Coast is home to some of Victoria’s most beautiful beaches, and we love welcoming visitors from near and far, but the ocean can be unpredictable,” Cr Halstead said.
“If you don’t know how to identify a rip, this event brings world-leading surf science directly to the shoreline. When people feel confident recognising risks, they’re not just keeping themselves safe, they’re able to pass that knowledge on. One day, something they learn here might even help save someone’s life.”
A panel discussion will follow the presentation, exploring water safety from scientific, cultural and local perspectives. The panel will feature Dr Harpreet Singh, the driving force behind the Safely Engaging with Water program, along with special guests from the local surfing community.
Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club President Jason Close said education plays a vital role in preventing drownings.
“As surf lifesavers, we see the impact of rips and changing conditions every day,” Mr Close said.
“Understanding how the surf works can make a real difference. This event gives families the knowledge they need to make safer decisions at the beach.”
Attendees will also have the opportunity to meet local response and emergency agencies, including Life Saving Victoria, Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club, Phillip Island Nature Parks, Victoria Police and Ambulance Victoria, and learn more about how they work together to keep the community safe.
The event will conclude with lunch and family-friendly beach activities, making it an engaging and informative day out for locals and visitors.
Event details
Beach Smart, Beach Fun: Science of the Surf
Date: Saturday, 7 March 2026
Time: 11.00am to 2.00pm
Location: Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club
Cost: Free
Event contact: communications@basscoast.vic.gov.au
This event leverages regional partnerships across Bass Coast Shire, Mornington Peninsula, Casey, Cardinia and Greater Dandenong councils, Life Saving Victoria and the leisure industry through the Victorian-first Bass Coast and Mornington Peninsula Cross Council Working Group Water Safety Framework to improve beach safety for residents and visitors to our region.
For further information contact the LSV Media team: media@lsv.com.au / 03 9676 6970.