Sun sets on summer’s lifesaving patrols

Phillip Island topped the list of beach rescues in Gippsland for the 2021/22 summer lifesaving season.

Figures released last week by Lifesaving Victoria showed there were 52 rescues at local beaches: 30 at Smiths Beach and 22 at Woolamai.

The next highest rescue tallies were at Mallacoota (21) and Venus Bay (20).

The season, which finished on the weekend was the busiest lifesaving season in Victoria to date.

Since mid-November 2021, volunteer lifesavers and professional lifeguards from Gippsland life saving clubs carried out 115 rescues across the region.

This local effort was part of more than 700 rescues, 140 major first aids and what is anticipated to be over 200,000 patrol hours carried out across more than 60 Victorian locations, with lifesavers and lifeguards saving countless lives this summer.

This is 18 per cent more rescues than last season, which was previously the busiest on record.

Although life saving clubs and state services including the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service will remain on standby during the cooler months, the lowering of the red and yellow flags marks the end of regular lifesaving patrols until later this year.

LSV’s general manager lifesaving services Liam Krige is reminding the community that with recreation around waterways including camping, fishing and boating expected to continue over the cooler months, it’s vital to keep making safe decisions while the flags are down.

“In Victoria, 62 per cent of drownings occur outside of summer months. Unintentional entry into the water – such as walking near the water and falling or slipping on unstable rocks or riverbanks – is one of the most common risks around waterways,” Mr Krige said.

“In winter, even if the sun is shining, average Victorian sea temperatures can drop below 15 degrees Celsius, which can cause cold water shock.

“Sudden immersion in cold water can send your body into shock and significantly increase your risk of drowning, especially when combined with unintentional entry.

“If you are keen for a swim during the cooler months, consider heading to an open public pool where lifeguards can keep an eye on you,” he said.

“Always actively supervise children – under fives should always be in arm’s reach, and under 10s in eyesight around water.

“If you’re boating or fishing – including from the rocks, remember no one expects to find themselves in trouble. Seventy-nine per cent of boating-related drowning deaths in the past decades involved no or improper lifejacket use.

“And finally, never drink alcohol around water – it’s one of the riskiest things you can do, with more than 30 per cent of the past decade’s drowning deaths involving alcohol or drugs.

“The best time to prepare for next summer is now, so we encourage anyone looking to brush up on their swimming and water safety skills to enrol in swimming lessons in the off season.”

Patrol season 2022 – 23 is expected to commence mid-November 2022.