Tips for safety and wellbeing
At TAFE NSW, we care about your safety and wellbeing. On this page, you’ll find information about how to stay safe while you’re living and studying in NSW.
What to do in an emergency
Call 000 if you are in immediate danger
Calling 000 will connect you to Police, Fire or Ambulance services. You can call 000 from any phone, anywhere in Australia for help in life threatening or emergency situations.
How to contact the NSW State Emergency Service (SES)
NSW State Emergency Service (SES) is an emergency and rescue service in NSW. They are volunteers who provide emergency assistance. If you need help due to storm damage, fallen trees, bushfires, flood or cyclones call 132 500.
The great outdoors
Australia is a great place to experience the great outdoors, so if you love being outside and spending time in nature, our national parks and beaches are great places to visit. However, there are some things you need to be aware of to ensure you stay safe.
Stay safe in NSW national parks
NSW has some fantastic national parks to explore. You may even want to try camping, or visit the outback.
To keep yourself safe in NSW national parks:
- check NSW National Parks alerts page for safety alerts
- check if the park you want to visit is closed on the NSW National Parks alerts page
- always bring water when going on a bushwalk
- read signs at your location for specific safety information.
Beach safety
NSW is famous for its beaches, from Bondi to Byron Bay. If you are planning to visit the beach, it is important you know how to be safe in the water. Learn about rip currents, things to avoid, lifeguards and our red and yellow flags to keep yourself, your friends and your family safe.
Swim between the red and yellow flags
Always look for red or yellow flags when you go to the beach. Lifeguards are watching the area between the flags, and it’s the safest place for you to go in the water.
If there are no red and yellow flags, ask lifeguards if it’s safe to swim. If you’re not sure, or there are no lifeguards at the beach, don’t go in the water. If you need help in the water, raise your arm and call for help.
Learn more about how to swim within the flags at Surf Life Saving NSW’s Beach and Coastal Safety Resource Hub. They have videos and fact-sheets available in many languages.
Important water safety at the beach
Rips and underwater currents are very dangerous because they are often hard to spot and can quickly pull you out to sea. It's important to know what they look like. Watch the water safety videos below to learn more.
Marine and coastal wildlife
Australia is renowned for its stunning and diverse array of marine and coastal wildlife, and NSW is no exception. From majestic whales and playful dolphins to vibrant fish and bird species, the coastal waters of NSW offer a captivating glimpse into the natural world.
To stay safe around marine and coastal wildlife:
- do not touch, as many species can be harmful or may become stressed when disturbed, and
- follow any warning signs in the area to ensure your safety and the protection of the animal.
Protection from skin cancer
Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, so it’s very important that you protect yourself from the sun.
To stay safe in the sun:
- wear sun-protective clothing that covers as much skin as possible, including a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses
- apply a good water resistant sunscreen that has high UV protection. Put it on before you go outdoors and remember to re-apply throughout the day, and
- seek shade and stay under umbrellas, trees or other shelters during the peak sun hours between 10am to 4pm.
Be extra cautious in the middle of the day when UV levels are most intense. Download the SunSmart app to know the UV level.
Watch the Cancer Council video below to learn more about how to protect yourself from skin cancer.
Driving in Australia
Driving requires a good understanding of the road regulations in place. You must familiarise yourself with the road rules before embarking on any journey.
To stay safe on the road, you must:
- always wear your seatbelt and ensure passengers wear their seatbelts
- drive at the speed limit
- drive on the left side of the road
- not drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- ensure passengers under seven years are using an approved suitable child seat. Read more on the NSW Government website.
- not use a mobile phone while driving. In some cases, drivers with a full licence may use their phone hands-free or in a phone holder. Visit the NSW Government website to find out more.
- take a break every two hours, as a common cause of road accidents in NSW is driver fatigue.
Read about driving with an overseas or interstate licence in NSW before driving in Australia.
Support for domestic or sexual violence
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic or sexual violence, there is help available.
If you are in immediate danger, always call 000.
1800RESPECT is the national domestic, family and sexual violence counselling, information and support service. They have information on healthy relationships, domestic, family and sexual violence. They can also provide support and help you find other services that can help.
To contact 1800RESPECT, you can call 1800 737 732, chat online via their website or text 0458 737 732.
Frequently asked questions
If your life is not in danger, or it isn’t an emergency, you can get NSW police assistance by calling 131 444 or Contact Us – NSW Police Public Site.
You can also go to any police station to speak to a police officer and make a police report.
Yes. We are are here to support you. TAFE NSW has a free counselling service that you can access. You can arrange an appointment with a counsellor by phoning 131 601.
If you need to speak with a counsellor in your own language, please tell the administration team when you make your appointment. You may be referred to another counsellor who speaks your preferred language. Visit our personal counselling and wellbeing page for more information on how to access these free services.
You can also speak to one of your teachers if you need help or you don't feel safe.
When in national parks you should be aware of fire danger warnings. Do not enter a national park if there is fire in the area.
Australia is home to a wide variety of native animals, many of which are protected and some of which can be deadly. It's important to remember that no matter how beautiful or striking they appear, they are wild creatures and should never be approached, picked up, or touched.
You can learn more about fun things to do, camping and parks to visit on the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service website.
You should also check the website for more important information about staying safe in outback NSW and safety in NSW national parks.
Road trips are great way to see more of Australia. To stay safe while driving long distances, you should also:
- share long-distance driving with another driver
- stop driving every two hours, and rest your eyes for 15 minutes to avoid fatigue
- avoid driving for long periods overnight, and
- try to avoid driving at dawn or dusk in rural areas, as wildlife is more active at these times.
We’re here to help
At TAFE NSW we ensure every international student has the support of an International Customer Experience Coordinator. They can assist you in accessing the right support services.
You can also check out our international student frequently asked questions.