Patterson River a no-go zone warn Carrum lifesavers

LIFESAVERS are on high alert ahead of a weekend heatwave and expected influx of beachgoers, after the near drowning of two young children in Patterson River on New Year’s Day.

THE rescue of two young children from dangerous currents in the mouth of Patterson River has prompted lifesavers to issue warnings about swimming for the waterway in advance of the predicted 40C heatwave.

On New Year’s Day, just before 7pm, a boy and girl were playing in the shallows by the rocks near the mouth of Patterson River when they were swept into the channel of the river, Carrum Surf Life Saving Club president Ben Rooks said.

RELATED: Tributes flow for drowning victim

RELATED: The best beaches you’ve never heard of

He said an adult family member was able to reach the boy but the 10-year-old girl continued to be carried out to sea.

Three men nearby heard her cries and went in to rescue her. Witnesses said the men struggled to get back to the shore.

The girl was treated by ambulance while police and volunteer surf lifesavers were also called out to the incident.

Carrum lifesavers are pleading with people not to swim at the mouth of Patterson River, where they continue to rescue people. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Mr Rooks has warned people flocking to Carrum beach tomorrow to avoid Patterson River and watch out for dangerous changing weather conditions.

He said extra lifesavers would be on hand to deal with the expected influx of beachgoers hitting the water to escape the heat.

“It will be 30C by 9am and we’re expecting the beach to be packed,” Mr Rooks said.

Club captain Catherine Paulsen said lifesavers were concerned about the weather conditions predicted for the afternoon.

Two young children had to be rescued from the mouth of Patterson River on New Year’s Day. Picture: Valeriu Campan

“When the cool change hits later in the day the wind will swing to the south which will push swimmers towards the river channel and we may have a repeat of the incident we saw on New Year’s Day,” Ms Paulsen said.

“It’s never safe to swim in or near Patterson River,” Ms Paulsen said.

She urged beachgoers to always swim between the flags.

On New Year’s Eve in 1998, a young boy drowned after entering the water next to Patterson River, while his family was still unpacking their car.