If you spend summer days at the beach with your kids, this is one event you won’t want to miss. Australia’s most well-known surf scientist, Dr Rob Brander – aka “Dr Rip” – is heading to Maroubra Beach for an engaging and award-winning presentation designed to help beachgoers stay safe in the surf.
Hosted by Randwick City Council, this fascinating session combines science, safety and real-life beach knowledge in a way that’s easy to understand, memorable and surprisingly entertaining.
What Is “The Science of the Surf”?
Dr Rip will explain how beaches work, how waves and currents form, and how to spot dangerous rip currents before you enter the water. Most importantly, he’ll share clear, practical advice on what to do if you or your child gets caught in a rip – knowledge that could one day save a life.
Perfect for parents, teens and confident older kids, this session helps families gain confidence around the ocean while deepening their understanding of Australia’s beaches.
Purple Dye Rip Demonstration
Following the talk, Dr Rip will head down to Maroubra Beach for his famous purple dye demonstration, where he releases dye into the water to clearly show how a rip current moves. It’s a powerful visual experience and one that really brings the science to life.
Why Families Should Go
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Learn how to identify rip currents
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Gain practical surf safety skills for the whole family
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See a live rip current demonstration at Maroubra Beach
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Presented in a fun, easy-to-understand way
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Chance to win one of six Dr Rip’s Essential Beach Books
As one attendee put it:
“I’ve been swimming at the beach since I was a toddler. I’m now 57 and learnt more from Dr Rip’s talk than any other presentation on rips.”
Event Details
What: Dr Rip’s Science of the Surf & Rip Identification Demo
When: Thursday 22 January 2026
Time: 2:30pm – 4:00pm
Where: South Maroubra Surf Life Saving Club
Location: Maroubra Beach, NSW
Cost: $7,-
More information: www.randwick.nsw.gov.au
If your family loves the beach, this is a brilliant opportunity to turn a summer afternoon into a fun, educational and potentially life-saving experience. Learn to read the surf, understand rips, and feel more confident every time you head to the water.
