Safety first for Victorian beaches

CONCERNS over the safety of Victorian beaches this summer have been squashed with additional lifeguards assigned to the coast.

Police and Emergency Services Minister Lisa Neville announced $1.7 million boost for Life Saving Victoria to ensure safer visits to Victoria’s iconic beaches this Summer.

The boost in funding comes after Life Saving Victoria reported concerns that the latest drowning figures may be exacerbated by beach goers lack of preparation this year.

The data gathered in this year’s Water Safety campaign shows 26 fatalities have been recorded over the past decade, with a 92 per cent chance of a fatal drowning this season.

“We are facing a summer where most Victorians have had limited or no exposure to waterways and aquatic recreation in almost a year, so it is crucial to be prepared,” Dr Bernadette Matthews said.

Males aged between 25-44 are making up more than a quarter of all fatal drownings recorded between 2019-20.

“We know drinking alcohol around water remains a high-risk activity for all age groups that should be avoided,” she said.

Life Saving Victoria patrols 67 beach locations and nearly 570 public pools with the funding expected to enhance safety responses.

Across the state, patrolled beaches will expand with flags to be placed further apart and additional sets to be utilised in some high-demand areas.

This state government investment will increase the lifeguard capacity by 30 per cent.

Additional funding will assist in implementing COVIDSafe protocols across the 57 clubs state-wide as well increased aerial surveillance including drones and helicopters.

As many look to holiday locally this year, Ms Neville has encouraged the community to be mindful of water safety while taking advantage of some of Australia’s most iconic beaches this summer.

“We know Victorians are excited to get back to the water this summer, so we are making sure our life savers have the resources they need to keep people safe,” she said.

On top of swimming between the flags at patrolled beaches, LSV is urging the community to become more aware of their swimming abilities and the weather conditions before they head out.

“We want every Victorian to be safe this summer – this year’s Play it Safe by the Water Campaign will help raise awareness of the risks associated with swimming and encourage everyone to rethink dangerous behaviour,” Ms Neville said.

In preparation for a high-risk summer, users can now access a virtual reality resource provided by LSV which allows them to explore dangerous waterways while learning key safety messages. Head to lsv.com.au/vr.