Scuba diver drowns at Torquay

LIFE Saving Victoria (LSV) is urging everyone to exercise more care in the water, following a man drowning near Point Danger on Sunday and four people nearly drowning in a rip at Fishermans Beach a week earlier.

In Sunday’s incident, police said the man was scuba diving with friends before being pulled unconscious from the water near Point Danger at 10am.

He was taken to Fishermans Beach – which was crowded with beachgoers at the time – where an off-duty police officer performed CPR on him for about 30 minutes before paramedics took over.

The man was then transported to a waiting air ambulance at Spring Creek Reserve and flown to hospital, but police said the man, who is yet to be formally identified, died at the scene.

Police will prepare a report for the coroner.

LSV lifesaving operations manager Greg Scott said it was important for beachgoers to assess beach conditions when you arrive, and to continue to check weather conditions during the day.

He advised swimmers to be aware and prepared before heading to the water, to never swim in clothing that can weigh you down, and to read and obey safety signs when you get there.

“If you’re heading to the beach, remember that rips are the number one beach hazard for swimmers.

“Last summer, we saw unprecedented numbers of rip currents and it’s important to recognise that beach conditions can change significantly during the day.”

Despite the risk of rip currents, Surf Life Saving Australia research found that three quarters of people can’t identify a rip current and two thirds of people who think they can spot a rip, can’t.

Learning how to identify and avoid a rip current is essential for beachgoers and it’s also important to note that rivers and bayside beaches can also have strong currents.

For multilingual resources on rip currents and on beach safety, head to beachsafe.org.au.

It is normal for people to have a strong emotional or physical reaction after witnessing a distressing incident. People can seek help from their local doctor or can phone Lifeline on 131 114, Griefline on 1300 845 745, or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.