Healthy living

Smokefree between the flags at patrolled beaches

Smoking is prohibited on all patrolled beaches in Western Australia

Smoking restrictions prohibit (ban) smoking between the flags or other markers on patrolled swimming beaches.

A patrolled swimming beach usually has:

  • lifesavers and lifeguards on duty
  • 2 red and yellow flags placed in the sand on the beachfront (the flags show it is safe to swim between the flags).

Does the smoking ban apply all time?

No, the smoking ban only applies while the flags are in place.

Signs

Local governments may display signs that advise smoking is now banned between the flags on patrolled beaches.

Who enforces the smoking ban on patrolled beaches?

Local governments are mainly responsible for enforcing matters about smoking at beaches and can appoint environmental health officers or additional officers, for example rangers, to assist with enforcement.

Find contact details for local government (external site).

Volunteer lifesavers cannot enforce these restrictions.

Public support

There has been a very high level of public support for this legislation from the Western Australian public.

Penalties

If you smoke between the flags the following penalties (fines) may apply:

  • maximum court imposed penalty – $1000
  • infringement notice – $200.

Translated information about smokefree between the flags at patrolled beaches

Amharic – Smokefree between the flags at patrolled beaches – fact sheet (PDF 95KB)

Arabic
Arabic – Smokefree between the flags at patrolled beaches – fact sheet (PDF 140KB)

Burmese – Smokefree between the flags at patrolled beaches – fact sheet (PDF 76KB)

Chinese simplified
Chinese simplified – Smokefree between the flags at patrolled beaches – fact sheet (PDF 100KB)

Chinese traditional
Chinese traditional – Smokefree between the flags at patrolled beaches – fact sheet (PDF 103KB)

Croatian
Croatian – Smokefree between the flags at patrolled beaches – fact sheet (PDF 130KB)

Farsi – Smokefree between the flags at patrolled beaches – fact sheet (PDF 167KB)

Greek
Greek – Smokefree between the flags at patrolled beaches – fact sheet (PDF 190KB).

Bahasa Indonesian
Indonesian – Smokefree between the flags at patrolled beaches – fact sheet (PDF 58KB)

Italian - Italiano
Italian – Smokefree between the flags at patrolled beaches – fact sheet (PDF 58KB)

Korean
Korean – Smokefree between the flags at patrolled beaches – fact sheet (PDF 146KB)

Portuguese – Smokefree between the flags at patrolled beaches – fact sheet (PDF 58KB)

Spanish - Espanol
Spanish – Smokefree between the flags at patrolled beaches – fact sheet (PDF 42KB)

Swahili – Smokefree between the flags at patrolled beaches – fact sheet (PDF 55KB)

Thai
Thai – Smokefree between the flags at patrolled beaches – fact sheet (PDF 118KB)

Vietnamese
Vietnamese – Smokefree between the flags at patrolled beaches – fact sheet (PDF 140KB)

More information

Email the Tobacco Control Branch or phone 9222 4222.

Remember

  • Smoking is banned between the flags on all patrolled swimming beaches in Western Australia.
  • Local governments are mainly responsible for enforcing matters about smoking at beaches.

Last reviewed: 23-09-2022
Acknowledgements

Tobacco Control Branch


This publication is provided for education and information purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical care. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your healthcare professional. Readers should note that over time currency and completeness of the information may change. All users should seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional for a diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.

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