Locals call for improved safety at Phillip Island beaches

After a 24-year-old tragically died at Smiths Beach, Phillip Island locals are calling for closed gates, more signs and longer patrols.

Locals are calling for more safety measures at Smiths Beach. Picture: Brooke Grebert-Craig

After the death of a 24-year-old woman at Smiths Beach on Sunday, locals are calling for more safety measures at Phillip Island beaches.

Smiths Beach Pro Surf Coaching instructor Ed Amorim has been surfing for more than 20 years and he said more needs to be done to prevent drownings.

“People go in the water when they don’t have a lot of information about how to tackle waves and how to deal with reefs, rocks and rips” Mr Amorim said.

He said the water can be “unpredictable” and many people weren’t aware of the dangers.

“In emergency situations, there should be a gate at the two entrances of Smiths Beach so it can stop people going on the sand and in the water,” he said.

“This means they can still access the car park and lookout points but not go any further.”

Even though drownings have fallen to their lowest level in a decade in Victoria, lifesavers are on alert after an increase in drownings incidents since the start of the financial year.

New figures show from July 1, 2020 to November 11, 2020, there have been 18 reported drowning deaths in Victoria.

Life Saving Victoria’s Principal Research Associate Dr Bernadette Matthews said the worrying trend showed the importance of not being complacent about water safety.

“Every drowning death is one too many, and unfortunately this year’s statistics paint a

picture that suggests people aren’t adequately preparing themselves for a day out on or

around the water or may be underestimating the risks,” Dr Matthews said.

There are currently three safety signs at Smiths Beach. Picture: Brooke Grebert-Craig

In 2017, Bass Coast was identified as a beach drowning black spot, following 29 coastline deaths between July 1, 2000 and June 30, 2016, accounting for 11 per cent of the total number of Victorian drowning deaths during this period.

There are currently three safety signs at Smiths Beach but Mr Amorim said there needed to be better signs that showed people exactly where the rips and rocks were in the water.

The experienced surfer also said popular Phillip Island beaches needed to be patrolled for longer.

“People from Surf Life Saving should stay later, it’s a busy time of the year,” he said.

“They leave the beach and people still swim.”

Life Saving Victoria’s General Manager Lifesaving Services Liam Krige said lifesavers and lifeguards couldn’t be at the beach at all times.

“While we will continue to evaluate and adjust our service provision wherever possible this summer, it’s important to remember that our lifesavers and lifeguards can’t be at the beach all the time,” he said.

Last season, lifeguards and volunteer lifesavers at lifesaving clubs along the Bass Coast performed 59 rescues and attended 153 first aid incidents to help keep beachgoers safe.

Mr Krige said a number of steps have been taken to increase coastal safety this summer.

Lifeguard patrols have started three weeks earlier than previous years at Smiths Beach and Woolamai Beach.

Drone surveillance, Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service patrols and Rescue Water Craft services have also began.

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