Ghanda founder’s heroics as dozens rescued across Geelong region

A man has died and dozens of people were rescued during a dramatic weekend on our coast, that also saw the founder of a popular surf brand praised for his heroics.

Torquay beach was closed due to dangerous conditions.

A man has died and dozens of people were rescued during a dramatic weekend across the Geelong region coast.

Life Saving Victoria (LSV) said there were 45 rescues on the Surf Coast and across Geelong and the Bellarine on Saturday.

Police said a fisherman was found unresponsive in water in the vicinity of Queenscliff pier about 4.20am Saturday.

The 62-year-old Caroline Springs man died at the scene.

“It is understood he had been fishing in the area during the early hours of the morning,” Victoria Police said.

“The exact circumstances surrounding the death are yet to be determined but the matter is not believed to be suspicious.”

Torquay surf beach was unusually quiet on Saturday, with signs along the stretch signalling the beach was closed due to dangerous surf and many families arriving only to turn around and leave again.

There were regular announcements over loudspeakers reminding beachgoers of the dangers and lifeguards on foot, in beach buggies and on jetskis patrolled the shores and the water.

Anglesea main beach was also closed.

Surfwear brand Ghanda Clothing founder Josh Rudd reportedly rescued a woman who was swept out in a rip at Jan Juc on Saturday.

Lorne beach. Picture: Mark Wilson

The same day, Lorne Surf Life Saving Club volunteers were alerted to a group of boogie boarders caught in a rip about 5.30pm.

“The four bodyboarders were reportedly 75m to the Fairhaven side of the red and yellow flags, about 200m from shore,” a LSV spokesman said.

“Lorne volunteers responded and within roughly five minutes, three were safely back on the beach, but a fourth could not be found.

“Lorne volunteers deployed an inflatable rescue boat and the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter was tasked to search for the missing bodyboarder.

“Police were also called to the scene to assist.”

The spokesman said after 20 minutes of searching, the fourth bodyboarder was found safe and well.

“It is a great relief that all four individuals are okay, and we commend Lorne Surf Life Saving Club volunteers, LSV personnel and Victoria Police for their efforts,” he said.

“This is a timely reminder for beachgoers to enjoy the water at patrolled locations between the red and yellow flags.

“The outcome of this incident could have been very different had it happened at an unpatrolled location, and there weren’t volunteer lifesavers or paid lifeguards to assist those in distress.

“Rip currents are the number-one hazard on Australian beaches.”

With more warm weather forecast on Monday and Tuesday, LSV urged beachgoers to be aware of conditions, swim with a friend and read safety signs.

Originally published as Ghanda founder’s heroics as dozens rescued across Geelong region