TWO RESCUED AT ANGLESEA
SURF lifesavers rescued two people from Anglesea Beach during the first day of the official lifesaving season.
Patrolling lifeguards jumped in an inflatable rescue boat and rushed to the aid of the two swimmers in trouble about 200m offshore on Saturday.
The two swimmers were quickly taken to shore and did not require medical treatment.
Patrol captain Will Ronis said the successful rescue was a timely reminder of the need to swim between the flags.
The red and yellow flags were raised at patrolled beaches across Victoria for the first time on Saturday as full lifesaving patrols returned for the region’s summer beach season.
Last season, volunteer lifesavers and lifeguards performed 659 rescues and attended 1806 first-aid incidents at beaches across the state.
Mr Ronis said more than 800 beachgoers flocked to Anglesea Beach during high temperatures on Saturday, marking the start of what is expected to be a very busy season.
“If you don’t understand how to read a rip and get caught in one it can take you out very quickly,” Mr Ronis said.
“We are reminding people to swim between the flags, and if they don’t know how to read the conditions come and speak to the lifeguards.”
Lifeguards are on duty every day during summer at patrolled beaches.
Information about patrolled beach locations and times can be found at beachsafe.org.au.