Recent drownings trigger long weekend water safety warning
Life Saving Victoria has issued a warning to take care in the water.
Summer may be over, but Life Saving Victoria’s (LSV’s) volunteers are continuing to patrol 57 locations across the state and are pleading with Victorians to keep water safety front of mind this Labour Day long weekend, after two people tragically drowned last week.
With the likelihood of drowning in Victoria increasing by 68 per cent on public holidays across coastal and inland waterways and pools, LSV is urging the public to make safe decisions on and around the water this weekend, following a deadly weekend on the water.
Tragically, a man was pulled from the water unconscious at Altona just before 11am last Saturday, March 5 and was unable to be revived.
Just over 24 hours later, the body of a deceased male was recovered by Victoria Police divers from the Maribyrnong River at Avondale Heights.
Another four people were lucky to escape with their lives at Mallacoota on Saturday, after their boat overturned. Fortunately, three off-duty lifeguards were present.
While lifeguards were able to assist the four boaters and contact Ambulance Victoria for further assistance, if they hadn’t been there, this incident could have turned out with tragic consequences.
LSV principal research associate and general manager health promotion and communications Dr Bernadette Matthews urged those spending the weekend by the water to prepare, be aware and stay alert, even if they do not intend to go in the water.
“Since the year 2000, 57 per cent of all drownings occurring in March were due to unintentional entry to the water,” Dr Matthews said.
“This is why, even if you are not intending to go in the water, if you are spending your long weekend around water, be it on holidays or at home, you must exercise caution and keep children under constant supervision.
“Children under five should always be in arm’s reach and those under 10 within your direct and constant eyeline, free of any distractions.”
Dr Matthews also reminded Victorians that alcohol and other drugs do not mix with any water-based activities.
“Alcohol and other drugs were a factor in 31 per cent of fatal drownings in the past decade. Alcohol and drugs affect your reaction times and ability to make safe decisions. If you are planning to drink this long weekend, only do so after you have completed all water-based activities.”
For those heading to the beach, LSV’s volunteer lifesavers will be patrolling at 57 locations across the state, the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter and LSV drone services will survey from above and LSV’s rescue watercraft (RWC) service will be roving the coast.
“We are incredibly grateful for our volunteer lifesavers and lifeguard services who are spending their Labour Day weekend on patrol to help keep you safe while you enjoy your weekend, but we would rather their services were not required,” Dr Matthews said.
“Please, help our lifesavers to help you, by swimming between the red and yellow flags at a patrolled location wherever possible this long weekend.
“If we can’t see you, we can’t save you, so visit beachsafe.org.au or download the Beachsafe app to find a patrolled location near you.”
Woolamai Beach Surf Lifesaving Club provides volunteer patrols at Woolamai and Smiths Beach on weekends and public holidays until April 18.
Both beaches are patrolled from 1pm - 4.30pm on Saturdays, 10.30am - 4.30pm on Sundays and public holidays.
