OUR DEADLY WEEKEND
TWO DIE ON COAST:
TWO men died in separate tragedies on the Surf Coast at the weekend.
A 58-year-old man died at Anglesea beach on Saturday after his small boat reportedly capsized.
Lifesavers pulled him from the water and performed CPR but were unable to save him.
Another male who was aboard the boat made it to shore shortly after 2pm and raised the alarm.
A 56-year-old man also died on Saturday afternoon after he
was pulled from the water off Thirteenth Beach at Barwon Heads.
He had been swimming with two others in large surf when they got into difficulty about 5pm. A boy and girl were helped back to shore but the man died at the scene.
Live Saving Victoria (LSV) state agency commander Liam Krige said the Westpac lifesaver rescue helicopter was sent to the beach.
“The aircraft sent a rescue swimmer down to the man,” Mr Krige said.
“The man was subsequently returned to the shore, where he was handed over to waiting paramedics from Ambulance Victoria.
“Tragically, the man could not be revived and was pronounced deceased.
“Our hearts go out to this man’s family and friends.
“We are grateful that two people could be rescued.”
Mr Krige said LSV’s thoughts were also with the family and friends of the man who died at Anglesea.
“It’s a timely reminder to always wear a life jacket when boating, and ensure it’s maintained, as it buys you time to survive,” Mr Krige said. LSV could not say whether the man had been wearing a life jacket.
“If you’re thinking about heading out on the water, please research the dangers of the activity and stay informed of the conditions,” Mr Krige said.
Lifesavers were busy on Sunday too, with four swimmers plucked from the water at Thirteenth Beach after they became stranded in a rip about 2.30pm.
It is understood they were rescued by nearby surfers and swimmers before paramedics arrived.
About 20 minutes later, at Separation Creek, on the Great Ocean Road, two men in their 20s were rescued by surf lifesavers and treated by paramedics.
Mr Krige said there were also rescues at Geelong, Ocean Grove, Lorne and Fairhaven.
The spate of incidents has prompted calls from emergency services urging the public to take care in the water.
Kane Treloar, director of lifesaving services at LSV, took to social media on Sunday to plead with swimmers to “swim at patrolled beaches”.