Water advocates push for improved access and safety

TWO disability advocates from the Bellarine are co-ordinating efforts to improve water safety and accessibility in the region by teaming up with Life Saving Victoria (LSV) to run a swim program and lobby council for better beach facilities.

Concerned about the rising rate of drowning deaths for older people aged 35-64 years old, Bree-Arne Manley and Katie Alexander of the Bellarine Disability Action Group, along with LSV, are running a free Water Safety Beach Recreation session at Lonsdale Primary School later this month.

The program is designed to help older residents and people with a disability gain the confidence needed to safely enter the water, but the pair are also highlighting that people in these groups also need appropriate places to swim.

Living with a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis and using a wheelchair, Ms Manley and Ms Alexander – who has Myositis (similar to Motor Neurone Disease) and uses a mobility scooter – say a stair rail, beach matt, water wheelchair and special parking at Springs Beach would help others like them to access the water.

“Nothing but attitudes and access stop me from enjoying this wonderful area with my children and husband,” Ms Manley said.

A member of local swim group The Mermaids who frequent the area, Ms Alexander said “many more people would join us if there was better beach access.”

“We swim as a group for fun, friendship, health and sanity.”

Their pairs petition for new facilities will be handed to the Borough of Queenscliffe (BoQ) on November 22 in time for councils monthly meeting the next day.

BoQ Mayor Ross Ebbels said he’s aware of the petition.

“We welcome feedback and opportunities to make our area safer and have better access.

“We’d certainly be happy to engage DELWP (Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning) and get some feedback from them.”

To book in for a free swim safety training session at Point Lonsdale School Hall on Tuesday, November 22 between 10.00am and midday visit: events.humanitix.com/swim-safely