Be safe in water – police

LIFESAVERS and police are urging swimmers to stay between the flags and remain safe this summer.

Lifeguards have beefed up patrols at Torquay and Lorne beaches to cater for thousands of school-leavers expected to celebrate along the coast over the next two weeks.

Ocean Grove Surf Life Saving Club president David Pavia said most clubs would start patrols from this weekend.

Mr Pavia said swimmers were more likely to get into trouble when they swam alone and in non-patrolled areas.

“People also need to be aware of the beach conditions before they enter the water so they have some ideas as where rips or currents are,” he said.

He said weak swimmers should not swim out of their depth and should not panic if they came into danger.

Apollo Bay Police Leading Senior Constable Mick Atkinson also reminded beachgoers to stay safe and swim between the flags.

Sen-Constable Atkinson said the recent drowning of a man in his 30s at Marengo Beach in Apollo Bay was a reminder of the dangers.

“Stay between the flags, don’t go into the water in places you are not familiar with,” he said. “If you have consumed alcohol it is advised that you don’t go in the water.”

Paramedics were called to Eastern Beach on Saturday afternoon when a young buy was pulled from the water.

The boy, who was assisted by onlookers, was assessed by paramedics and was in stable condition.

In March, Eastern Beach was identified as a “drowning black spot” with 380 rescues recorded over six years.