No-fly discipline: Plan at least 18 hours between your last scuba dive and flying.
Guided diving: Dives are escorted by dive staff; follow the briefing on entry method, current direction, and ascent procedures.
Current and surge: East-side sites can be more exposed. Maintain buoyancy, stay with the group, and avoid fighting current. If you are not comfortable, request west-side sites.
Surface signaling: Carry an SMB and know how to deploy it.
Hydration and fatigue: Heat, sun, and repeated water sessions can increase DCS risk. Drink water and keep surface intervals generous.
Freedive and snorkel safety: Always buddy up, use a float for outer reef sessions, and avoid channels in strong tidal flow.

On island: Expect basic first aid capabilities and emergency oxygen support, but limited clinical facilities.
Evacuation reality: Serious injuries may require aeromedical evacuation to the mainland, then transfer to higher-level care.
Decompression illness: Queensland's public hyperbaric services include the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital Hyperbaric Medicine Service, which provides a statewide 24/7 on-call capability.
Dive insurance: Consider dive accident coverage (such as DAN) that includes chamber treatment and evacuation coordination.

No-fly discipline: Plan at least 18 hours between your last scuba dive and flying.
Guided diving: Dives are escorted by dive staff; follow the briefing on entry method, current direction, and ascent procedures.
Current and surge: East-side sites can be more exposed. Maintain buoyancy, stay with the group, and avoid fighting current. If you are not comfortable, request west-side sites.
Surface signaling: Carry an SMB and know how to deploy it.
Hydration and fatigue: Heat, sun, and repeated water sessions can increase DCS risk. Drink water and keep surface intervals generous.
Freedive and snorkel safety: Always buddy up, use a float for outer reef sessions, and avoid channels in strong tidal flow.

On island: Expect basic first aid capabilities and emergency oxygen support, but limited clinical facilities.
Evacuation reality: Serious injuries may require aeromedical evacuation to the mainland, then transfer to higher-level care.
Decompression illness: Queensland's public hyperbaric services include the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital Hyperbaric Medicine Service, which provides a statewide 24/7 on-call capability.
Dive insurance: Consider dive accident coverage (such as DAN) that includes chamber treatment and evacuation coordination.

Plan conservative no-fly intervals. The resort notes you must allow 18 hours between your last scuba dive and flying, so keep your final day tank-free.

The eastern ledge is more exposed to wind and swell. Expect stronger current and surge potential, and be ready to switch to west-side sites if conditions change.

Sun exposure is intense on a coral cay with limited shade. Use reef-safe sunscreen, a rashguard, and drink water between sessions.

Do not stand on coral. Wear reef shoes for beach entries, keep good buoyancy, and treat even small cuts promptly.

Green Zone rules: No take, no fishing, and no collecting shells, coral, or wildlife.
Do not touch or feed marine life: Let animals control distance. Do not ride turtles or chase mantas.
No anchoring areas: Follow operator rules for moorings and no-anchor zones.
Reef walking: Only participate where and when permitted, typically around low tide in designated areas. Wear reef shoes and follow staff instructions.
Turtle and bird seasons: Keep beaches dark at night in nesting or hatching season and stay away from seabird nesting zones.

Contact	Role	Phone	Availability
Australian emergency services	Police, fire, ambulance	000	24/7
International emergency number (Australia)	Emergency calls from mobiles	112	24/7
DAN Asia-Pacific Emergency Hotline (Australia)	Diving medical advice and evacuation coordination	1800 088 200	24/7
DAN International Emergency Hotline (backup)	Diving medical advice	+1 919 684 9111	24/7
RBWH Hyperbaric Medicine Service	Statewide hyperbaric medicine (decompression illness)	(07) 3646 0241 (clinic) or (07) 3646 8111 (switchboard)	Clinic hours Mon to Fri; 24/7 on-call via switchboard
13 HEALTH	Queensland non-urgent health advice line	13 43 25 84	24/7

Lady Elliot Island

Safety And Conservation

Top Risks

Dive safety

Safety And Conservation

Top Risks

Dive safety

Snorkel and freedive safety

Wildlife and protected areas

Emergency contacts