Australia's red and yellow beach flags are one of the most recognisable symbols of surf safety in the world... but new research suggests they can also be dangerously confusing, particularly for tourists, migrants, and infrequent beachgoers.

The debate has taken on new urgency, with a series of drowning deaths already recorded in Australia in the opening days of 2026.

• Guest: Dr Masaki Shibata, drowning prevention researcher in intercultural studies at Monash University
• Producer: Jessica Lukjanow