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Home > Life > Health safety inclusion > Personal safety

Personal safety

Adelaide is one of the safest cities in Australia, but it’s always important to be aware of your personal safety and to protect yourself and your property.

SA Police provide a good overview on their website about crime prevention and security including tips about safety. Below are some quick tips related to safety and security tips to keep in mind.

Safety at home

Being safe at home means looking after yourself as well as your property.

  • Check your home has working smoke alarms (these are compulsory by law)
  • Change the batteries in smoke alarms when daylight saving time starts and ends
  • Don’t leave doors or windows unlocked
  • Take out insurance to cover your belongings against theft and damage and keep records of model numbers (take photos)
  • Have your name and phone number engraved on valuable items like laptops



Street safety

Adelaide is a safe place to get around. Like any other city however, it is still important to be mindful of your safety when out and about.

  • Keep alert and walk with confidence
  • At night where possible, walk with friends and keep to well-lit areas
  • If you regularly walk alone, vary your route and carry a personal alarm
  • Let someone know where you’re going and when to expect you
  • Always have your keys ready as you approach your car or home
  • Check public transport timetables to minimise waiting time
  • Sit near the driver on buses, trains and trams
  • Keep car doors locked when driving and keep valuables out of view
  • Minimise the amount of cash you carry and don’t use ATMs in dark or isolated locations

Beach safety

There are some simple but important things you can do to keep yourself and your friends safe at the beach:

  • Be aware of your swimming ability
  • Never swim alone
  • Swim at patrolled beaches and swim between the red and yellow flags
  • Be aware of currents and powerful tides and rips
  • Don't swim under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  • Always check the depth of the water and never dive into the water
  • Follow Surf Life Saving’s safety tips
  • Download the Surf Life Saving Beachsafe App that gives you the latest information about patrol status, facilities and hazards to weather, swell and tide of every Australian beach.

Looking for more water safety information in your language? Surf Life Saving South Australia have translated resources available in 18 different languages.


Find out more

Data safety

Looking after your data and taking cybersecurity precautions are extremely important.

  • Ensure your PINs and passwords are secure
  • Beware of scams and don’t give your details to strangers
  • Be cautious with emails asking for financial information; be confident they’re real before clicking any links
  • Keep your mobile phone out of sight and locked with a PIN when not in use
  • Find out how to secure your mobile phone at the Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association
  • Keep up-to-date with the latest scams at Scamwatch