Patrol season gets underway for Victorian Lifesavers
Last year they performed 526 rescues, attended 2956 first aid incidents and watched over more than 2.9 million Victorians. But lifesavers have an important message for beachgoers this summer.
South East
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As thousands of volunteer lifeguards give up their time to protect beach goers, Life Saving Victoria calls on the public not to be complacent and be aware of the dangers of water.
“While it is important to swim at a beach or waterway with patrols present, it is equally important that the public are aware of the dangers surrounding our waterways and oceans, understand their own limitations and always take appropriate precautions to safeguard themselves against harm,” Life Saving Victoria’s Lifesaving Operations Manager Liam Krige said.
With the beginning of summer already seeing sizzling temperatures, Mr Krige warned summer can be a dangerous time.
During peak season – December 1 to March 31 – last year lifesavers and lifeguards in Victoria performed 526 rescues, attend 2956 first aid incidents and help keep more than 2.9 million visitors to the state’s beaches safe.
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Mr Krige said all beachgoers this summer were advised to swim between the flags, check weather conditions, read safety signs and assess whether water activities are appropriate given their abilities and fitness levels.
He said Life Saving Victoria’s drowning report for 2018-19, which was released during water safety week last week, showed two thirds of drowning deaths in Victoria last year occurred in summer and autumn.
“It also showed drowning deaths in coastal areas have unfortunately increased, with a 46% increase in drowning deaths in coastal areas and ocean beaches last year compared to the 10-year average,” he said.
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“Ocean beaches and even bay beaches have hidden dangers such as rip currents, which is why it is important to always swim between the flags and check beachsafe.org.au to find patrolled beaches and safety information.”
Volunteer lifesavers provide patrols on weekends and most public holidays over the summer season.
Additional services are provided at unpatrolled locations and midweek by employed lifeguards during the peak summer period.