June 2019 (ROTM#126) Seal Rocks, NSW, Australia

Seal Rocks is a bit of a surfing and camping mecca on the mid-north coast of New South Wales and thanks to it's geology, has beaches that face in many different directions. This beach is almost directly opposite the main caravan park and campground and it's a lovely beach. But as you move further to the north (left on the photo) it gets increased wave exposure and, of course, rip currents. Peaking through the trees can you see the dark green gap? That's the rip current. As this beach is unpatrolled, you need to be even more aware of how to spot rip currents, but there are usually visual clues if you know what to look for.

I took this during my fieldtrip for my 3rd year coastal course (GEOS3731 Coastal Processes and Hazards at UNSW Sydney!). We had just finished 3 days of fieldwork and finished up with a swim (away from the rip). The students love my field trips.

Ahhh….the Mid-North Coast of NSW is magic. Just watch out for rips.