Rescuers report worst rip currents ever seen on coast

A HARROWING weekend marked by rips, rescues, and tragic drownings along Victoria’s coastline has prompted lifesavers to issue an urgent warning.

Surfer Jack Minter was one of a group of surfers who came to the rescue of struggling swimmers on the Surf Coast.

“The rip was probably the worst rip I’ve ever seen at Jan Juc in my whole life of living here,” he said.

“We watched it for about an hour and saw probably a dozen people become very close to needing help.”

Mr Minter along with his mates Tom Clarke, Nat Leach and Casey McCrohan plucked two separate groups from the ocean.

He said the first group was in a state of panic, and the second group was getting sucked out, so they decided to jump in before panic set in.

“We were just doing what had to be done; the lifeguards had a lot on their plate in between the flags.”

The group were very thankful and said they would just stick to laying on the beach and swimming between the flags.

Jane Coventry, who witnessed the ordeal, said the surfers risked their own lives performing the rescue.

“The ocean is so powerful and you can be swept off your feet in a second.

“Heads were going under water; it wasn’t good. Everyone looked so exhausted at the end.”

Ms Coventry also suggested the use of better portable signage on days with strong rips.

Monday marked the midway point of summer, with Royal Life Saving Australia highlighting an alarming increase in drowning deaths across Australia.

As of January 16, the Royal Life Saving Summer Drowning Toll reports 52 deaths, a rise from the 45-deaths recorded at the same time last year.

Royal Life Saving national manager for drowning prevention William Koon said the organisation urged the public to swim between the flags and heed water safety tips.

“Be aware of the conditions, and understand that these can change rapidly.”

There were 90 drowning deaths last summer, and this year’s figures suggest a worrying trend that could surpass this grim record.