Rip ready for race day heat

OCEAN Grove Surf Life Saving Club will continue to monitor extreme heat forecast for this weekend in the lead up to its RT Edgar Bellarine Rip to River Classic.

Earlier this week, meteorologists predicted a top temperature of 41 degrees for the Bellarine on Saturday.

“Ocean Grove SLSC will continue to monitor the forecast conditions in the lead up to the event in compliance with its heat policy,” OGSLSC president David Pavia said.

“In the unlikely event that the race day conditions are deemed to be extreme, the race may be cancelled and possibly rescheduled to a different date.

“If conditions are hot but not extreme, the race may be reformatted to a shorter distance by eliminating turnaround points.

“The club remains confident that morning temperatures on the Surf Coast will allow the Rip to River to go ahead.”

Mr Pavia said Ocean Grove SLSC always planned Rip to River events to occur first thing in the morning coinciding with a low tide, to avoid the summer heat.

“Participants are encouraged to enjoy the fun run and be well hydrated before the event.

“Drink stations will be available along the course and at the start and finish lines and the opportunity to cool off in the shallows along the length of the course is available to all participants.

“There are first aiders in roving vehicles whom any participants may call upon if experiencing problems.”

The Rip to River Classic offers the 10-kilometre Classic Run, 10-kilometre Walk, five-kilometre Beach Run, 1.4-kilometre Ripper Nipper.

Earlier this week, club representatives and sponsors met at the club to launch the Rip to River and announce the final payment of the $200,000 grant from the Ministry of Sport for the design of the new surf complex.

“It will comprise a new restaurant, new public toilets, landscaping and new clubrooms for the club,” Mr Pavia said.

“Subject to final approvals, the successful builder will be announced soon with building works expected to commence this summer.

“The plan is to have the building complete by the end of the year if possible.” Head to the Ocean Grove SLSC website oceangroveslsc.asn.au for updates on race conditions closer to the day.