Everyone urged to ‘be beach safe’ this summer

“BE BEACH Safe is Villawood’s latest message in giant letters to visitors to Torquay and the Surf Coast this summer.

Torquay Surf Life Saving Club and developer Villawood Properties have joined forces ahead of the Australia Day long weekend in a bid to prevent any summer mishaps along the Surf Coast.

The three-metre high corten messaging next to the Surf Coast Highway in the Armstrong Mount Duneed development is aimed at raising awareness about the beach dangers for unwary swimmers.

Hundreds of Torquay SLSC volunteers are on patrol this summer to protect swimmers against trouble in the water.

With tens of thousands of holiday-makers descending on Surf Coast beaches, and thousands expected this weekend, the call to stay safe in the surf is a timely one.

According to Life Saving Victoria, the drowning risk roughly doubles on public holidays.

The 2025 National Drowning Report recorded 357 drowning deaths over the past 12 months, a 27 per cent increase on the 10-year average.

Of these, 43 per cent of 154 occurred in coastal locations, including 82 drowning deaths at beaches.

Some Torquay SLSC members gathered at the “Be Beach Safe” sign earlier today (Friday, January 24) to reinforce the message.

“This summer we have more than 250 volunteer lifesavers rostered to keep our beach safe and fun for everybody,” Torquay SLSC president, Matt Carmichael, said.

“Since we were established in 1945, there has not been a single drowning on our patrolled beach – we’re proud of the service we provide to everyone who visits Torquay.

“We work hard, alongside our fellow lifesaving clubs and Lifesaving Victoria, to ensure that the only memories people take home from a summer in Torquay are happy ones.”

Villawood executive director Rory Costelloe, a keen swimmer and open-water kayaker, said people flocked to local beaches to have a great time and enjoy themselves.

“Ocean beaches like Torquay surf beach provide an experience unlike any other, but it’s important to remember that the combination of currents, waves and tides mean even experienced swimmers should pay attention to their surroundings.

“It’s important for visitors and families to stay between the red and yellow flags while on the beach. It makes the task of our lifesavers patrolling the beach more efficient and reduces the time it takes for them to get to you if you have any difficulty.”

For related local developments, see Rebuild starts on Torquay beach ramp after year-long closure, detailing improvements to access and safety infrastructure at Torquay Surf Beach.

Local organisations and authorities continue to highlight water safety, as holiday crowds and coastal risks remain high.

For more details on staying safe in the water this summer follow Torquay Surf Life Saving Club on Facebook (https://facebook.com/torquaybackbeach) and Instagram (@torquay_slsc).

For the latest detailed beach information from patrol status, facilities and hazards to weather, swell and tide, download the Beachsafe app at beachsafe.org.au/apps