Five die in tragic summer at beach
FIVE people drowned at local beaches this summer, according to new Life Saving Victoria data.
The deaths occurred in the Geelong, Surf Coast and Colac Otways regions during the official lifesaving period between November 1 and April 15.
Across Victoria, there were 23 drownings from December 1 to February 28, the highest number since detailed records began in 2000.
From November 1 to April 15, lifesavers in the Geelong and Surf Coast region completed 279 rescues, conducted 44,676 instances of preventive action, administered 56 cases of major first aid and attended to 690 requests for minor first aid.
The number of rescues by lifesavers in the region grew 56 per cent between July 1 and April 30, when compared with data over the same period the previous year.
LSV operations manager Greg Scott said the rise in preventive action by lifesavers showed lifeguards were making a significant difference at Victorian beaches.
“We did see the number of rescues performed this season rise, but the number of preventive actions was also up, meaning lifesavers were diligent in taking precautions before beachgoers got into the water and into trouble,” Mr Scott said.
“I think that is a testament to the training and skills our lifesavers have in identifying potentially dangerous or deadly situations.”
He said LSV continued to focus on increasing its rescue water craft services and response.
“Rescue water craft are a versatile rescue tool that we can use outside volunteer patrolled areas,” Mr Scott said.
He said patrols by lifesaving staff had identified an increase in rip currents across the state.
Rips were prevalent at Lorne over summer, with LSV issuing warnings to beachgoers.
“Interestingly, we saw a higher frequency of rips at Victorian beaches, which made conditions difficult to predict and contributed to the increase in rescues,” Mr Scott said.
However research by LSV at Surf Coast beaches over summer found 45 per cent of respondents did not think they could identify a rip and 25 per cent said they never identified rip currents.
A further 38 per cent said they sometimes or never read beach safety or hazard signs.
The State Government has pledged $8.3 million, over two years, to a string of water safety initiatives, including more lifeguards at high-risk beaches.
It also includes a boost for the Nippers junior program and Life Saving Victoria to help it develop and deliver more water safety training.
Over the recent summer period, 990,815 people attended Surf Coast beaches.