Four rescued from Torquay surf still in hospital
A MAN who nearly drowned at a Torquay beach on the weekend yesterday remained in intensive care where doctors had downgraded his condition from critical to serious but stable.
Three of his friends, also lucky to be alive after being plucked from the surf at Whites Beach, were yesterday listed as being in a stable con- dition at Geelong hospital.
The four found themselves in trouble in choppy conditions on Sunday afternoon.
The friends — all aged in their 20s — were pulled from the water by surfers and bystanders who performed CPR on the most injured man.
Surf Coast police Inspector Monique Leffanue said quick work by surfers and off-duty medical workers had led to the successful rescue.
“We’d just like to thank the members of the public who came to the rescue of four people,” Insp Leffanue said.
“It highlights the need to pay attention at all times when in the water.”
Life Saving Victoria’ operations manager Greg Scott said all swimmers should educate themselves about surf safety before going in the water.
“Rips are the number-one hazard at the beach and last season we saw an unprecedented number of them along the Surf Coast,” he said.
“Before heading to the beach, people need to learn how to identify rip currents and educate themselves on what to do if they are caught in one.”
While Whites Beach is not patrolled Mr Scott said lifeguards patrolled nearby Cosy Corner seven days a week during peak periods while lifeguards jetskis will be rostered on in the region for the first time over summer.