Huge swell injures Bells surfer
AN experienced local surfer was rescued from rough swell at Bells Beach after being hit in the head by a surfboard on Friday. It is understood the surfer was left with a broken jaw. The incident came after a powerful 7m swell hit Victoria’s southwest coast on Thursday and Friday.
AN experienced local surfer was rescued from a rough swell at Bells Beach after being hit in the head by a surfboard on Friday.
It is understood the surfer was left with a broken jaw.
Emergency crews were called to the popular surfing spot about 11am. Torquay Marine Rescue Service, supported by Victoria Police air wing, launched two rescue jetskis to assist the surfer from the 3-3.7m swell.
He was taken back to Fishermans Beach for medical treatment, then to Geelong hospital in a stable condition.
A police spokeswoman confirmed the 28-year-old man suffered facial injuries.
The incident came after a powerful 7m swell hit Victoria’s southwest coast on Thursday and Friday.
Torquay Marine Rescue Service commodore Adam Stephens said the rescue was the second call-out for assistance in two days.
“In both instances we had positive outcomes, because of the experience of the crew out there, and also the surfers being out there with their mates,” he said.
With a strong swell expected to continue this weekend, Mr Stephens said only experienced surfers should take on such “difficult conditions”.
“We anticipate everyone will be wanting to go out there and try to tackle these breaks,” he said.
“The basic message is: surf with your mates, let someone know you’re going out, only undertake activities in your own skill set and don’t hesitate notifying emergency services.”
Life Saving Victoria (LSV) general manager of government and industry Paul Shannon urged those heading to the coast to plan ahead and check the conditions.
“Conditions like these are particularly dangerous for rock ramblers, rock fishers, boaters and beachgoers, who may not expect strong waves at irregular intervals,” Mr Shannon said.
“If you’re going fishing, rock fishing, rock rambling or boating, wear appropriate safety equipment, such as an approved life jacket and gripped shoes.”
Victoria’s beach patrol season ended for the year on Sunday, but LSV data shows that 62 per cent of drownings in Victoria occur outside summer.
A Bureau of Meteorology spokesperson said, while no beaches across the Surf Coast or Bellarine Peninsula were identified as high risk on Friday, some peninsula beaches were at a moderate risk. “These high swells with long periods could lead to some minor or localised coastal erosion on Bellarine beaches where the southwesterly swell is more directly onshore,” the spokesperson said.