Queenscliff water police prep for busy summer season
Queenscliff water police have been called to more than 180 incidents so this year, with officers preparing for a busy summer season.
Geelong
Don't miss out on the headlines from Geelong. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Queenscliff water police have been called to more than 180 incidents this year across the bay, including multiple fatalities.
Officers are preparing for a busy summer season with warmer weather set to bring more people to our region and onto our waterways.
Earlier this month, a 76-year-old Altona North man drowned after he fell from his boat in Queenscliff.
In late November, a man went missing while spearfishing along Artillery Rocks at Separation Creek near Lorne.
Police used boats, divers and choppers in the search effort but he has not yet been found.
In August, a man drowned after a diving accident between Queenscliff and Barwon Heads.
Water police have been based permanently in Queenscliff since June and have responded to 185 incidents this year.
Leading Senior Constable Shaun Wallace said an incident could include anything from a flare sighting, to a person in distress, to concerns about jet ski behaviour.
The call-outs include Queenscliff (53), Indented Heads (39), Geelong and Corio Bay (45), Clifton Springs (29) and Barwon Heads (17).
Constable Wallace said there had been an increase in boating traffic across the state in the years since Covid.
“It is definitely increasing as a pastime and more people are spending recreational time on the water,” he said.
Leading Senior Constable Dean Leicester said the Bellarine Peninsula was known as a boating mecca and Port Phillip Bay had never been so busy.
Both officers are permanently stationed at the Queenscliff base and more officers are brought in during the busy seasons.
Constable Wallace, who was a detective in Melbourne and Geelong before moving to the water police unit, said the new base would increase police’s capability to respond the incidents more quickly.
“With marine search and rescue, minutes matter because of how dangerous it is to be out in the water,” he said.
“If we can get there in a more timely manner … we can reduce fatalities on the water.”
Constable Wallace said he had seen behaviour improving, with fishermen wearing their life jackets as well as maintaining their safety equipment, such as flares and torches.
“I think the message is getting through but we still have a way to go, especially with jet ski behaviour,” he said.
Police are urging boaters to wear their life jackets while on the water and check their vessel’s capability and safety equipment is up to date.
Constable Wallace said those taking their friends or family in their boats should also ensure they know the basics on how to operate the vessel in case of an emergency.
More Coverage
Originally published as Queenscliff water police prep for busy summer season
Parents want action on ‘downright dangerous’ primary school road
Parents fear it is only matter of time before a serious accident occurs on an increasingly busy dirt road that provides access to their children’s primary school.
Pier to Pub: Six times sweet for Lani as Sloman steals show
Olympic gold medalist Lani Pallister was made to work for her sixth consecutive Pier to Pub title, while two Olympic swimmers went stroke for stroke for much of the men’s race.