Police presence to increase over Christmas

POLICE on the Surf Coast are expecting an influx of visitors to the region over the Christmas and New Year period and will be upping patrols as a result.

Relaxed COVID-19 restrictions have allowed Melburnians to again visit the area, so there will be an increased police presence in tourism hot spots.

“We are bolstering our local response with additional members from Geelong and will be targeting road safety and public order within the Surf Coast,” Torquay Station commander Acting Senior Sergeant Steve Bull said.

“The Surf Coast is a fantastic place to visit, and we want to ensure that everyone gets to their destination, enjoys their time here and most importantly get home safely.

“We have fantastic views and scenery, so slow down and enjoy everything the region has to offer.

“Police will also be increasing patrols along the region’s beaches and targeting anti-social behaviour and public alcohol consumption.

“The Surf Coast is a family-friendly region and we want to ensure that anyone who visits can do so in a safe and secure manner.

“It is great to have visitors back to the Surf Coast, and our local business are excited at the opportunities that this presents.”

Alcohol consumption is prohibited in all Surf Coast public spaces and can attract fines of $125.

Police are emphasising water safety this summer, urging people to make sure they swim between the flags on patrolled beaches as rips are not always visible and apparent.

People should also not enter the water when they have been consuming alcohol, a message reinforced this week by the state government as it launched its “Unsinkable Guy” campaign.

Close to one third of all drowning deaths in Victoria over the past decade involved alcohol.

There were 61 drownings in the 2020-21 financial year, and four out of five drowning deaths in the state over the past 10 years have involved men aged 25 to 64.

Police are also urging everyone to be patient with the staff at Surf Coast businesses, especially with COVID-19 check-in requirements, and say aggressive behaviour will not be tolerated.