Safe swim message is down to a fine art
SWIMMERS are being urged to think before going for a dip as part of a new safety campaign being launched today.
The Surf Life Saving Australia campaign encourages all beachgoers to draw a ‘ Think Line’ in the sand.
It comes after a man drowned at Torquay in November.
A week before, four people were taken to hospital after being pulled from a rip at Whites Beach.
Lifesaving Victoria operations manager Greg Scott said “we want people wherever possible to (go to) those patrolled locations”.
“We’ve got a great range of locations across Geelong and the Surf Coast,” Mr Scott said.
“Sadly, people over-estimate their abilities.”
Mr Scott urged the region’s residents to “take responsibility for your own safety”.
“Rips are highly prevalent along the Geelong and Surf Coast region, far more so than most people realise,” he said.
A recent Life Saving Victoria report shows 29 people drowned in Geelong, Surf Coast and Queenscliff waters in the 10 years to last summer, while 67 needed hospital treatment.
Last summer 23 people drowned in Victorian waters, the highest summer drowning toll in 20 years.
Those who drowned included a 41-year-old father who died trying to help his children at Skenes Creek just four days before Christmas Day.
“We want beachgoers to draw a line in the sand, the ‘Think Line’, and consider your actions before you cross the line,” SLSA national coastal risk and safety manager Shane Daw said.
“Stop to check for rips, look for other dangers and plan how to stay safe.
“Don’t rush into the water. Observe the area for potential hazards, learn how to identify rips and where possible swim between the red and yellow flags.
“Rip-related drownings and rescues are the number one hazard at the Australian coast.”
To mark the beginning of the campaign, an artist who wishes to be known only as Edward, created a stunning piece of sand art at Ocean Grove using a $14 rake from Bunnings.
The sand art featured an intricate portrait, with patterns closest to the water representing rips.
“Just being local and hearing of kids and people that drown, it always reverberates in the community,” the artist, who has previously been a lifeguard, said.
“If there’s something that can act as a preventive of course I’ll get involved.”