In Australia, the water has its own order. Swimmers always come first. They’re exposed, defenseless against the weight and speed of a surfboard. Surfers, with their boards and skill, have the power to avoid danger—and the duty to do so.
On patrolled beaches, the flags are law. Red and yellow mark the swimmer’s domain. No boards allowed. Outside the flags, surfers take their waves, leaving swimmers to the safety of the patrol’s watchful eyes.
On unpatrolled beaches, the rules are unwritten but understood. The surfer sees the swimmer first. The surfer moves. The swimmer has no choice but to trust. A collision isn’t just careless—it’s reckless. The ocean’s chaos demands respect, and those with the power to maneuver bear the weight of responsibility.
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