Swim safe this summer
With the holidays upon us, it's important to make sure you stay safe in the water this summer.
With the holidays upon us, it's important to make sure you stay safe in the water this summer.
There are three patrolled beaches on Phillip Island during the peak holiday season.
Up until Christmas, both Woolamai and Smiths Beach will be patrolled from 10am every day.
Smiths Beach patrols run until 6pm.
Woolamai weekday patrols run until 6pm, with patrols finishing at 5pm on Saturday and 4pm on Sunday.
From Boxing Day, the Cowes Foreshore beach will also be patrolled, with all three beaches having life savers on duty between 10am and 6pm, seven days a week, through until January 26.
From January 27, the pre-Christmas patrol times return, with no lifesavers on duty at Cowes.
These times may be subject to change and you can find the latest information on the Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club's Facebook page. www.facebook.com/woolamaibeachslsc
Drowning risk
The expected record-breaking summer temperatures and predicted volatile weather events has prompted an urgent summer water safety warning from the Royal Life Saving Society Australia.
Last summer (2022/23) there were 90 drowning deaths, and many more hospitalised as a result of non-fatal drowning incidents.
It is sobering that 25 per cent or 23 summer drowning deaths occurred in the days between Christmas and New Years Day.
Last summer 43 per cent or 39 drowning deaths occurred in people aged 35 - 64 years, with 51 per cent occurring on the coast.
Royal Life Saving Chief Executive Officer Justin Scarr said the week between Christmas and January 2 was the deadliest period for drowning deaths.
"The summer holidays are the time when we all like to catch up with friends and family, relax and unwind, but sadly it's also the peak period for drowning," Mr Scarr said.
"Men need to remember that alcohol can affect choices, and skills around the water, too often with tragic consequences.
"Alcohol was present in more than a quarter of drowning deaths last summer so we're urging people to leave make the right call, and leave the beers until after swimming, boating or fishing.
"With heatwaves, and more rain forecast be aware of children around water, especially children playing in and around flooded waterways and drains shortly after the predicted storms," he said.
The top five tips to enjoy the water safely this summer:
- Always supervise children around water
- Avoid alcohol around water
- Wear a lifejacket when boating and fishing
- Know the conditions
- Avoid going alone
For further information visit: www.royallifesaving.com.au/summerwatersafety
