Beach safety warning issued ahead of warm Boxing Day

People are 68 per cent more likely to be involved in a drowning incident on a public holiday than at any other time of year in Victoria, sparking an urgent warning ahead of a predicted hot post-Christmas period.

Life Saving Victoria is warning beachgoers on the region’s coast to be safe by the water ahead of a warm Boxing Day.

In Victoria, people are 68 per cent more likely to be involved in a drowning incident on a public holiday than at any other time of year – a stark reminder of the importance of always being alert around waterways this holiday season, LSV lifesaving services manager Liam Krige said.

Lifeguard Jacqui Dreher and Lifesaver Finn Dripps at Jan Juc beach. Picture: Alison Wynd

Many people are expected to flock to the Geelong region’s beaches with the mercury tipped to reach 27 degrees on Saturday.

“To help keep swimmers safe over summer, we’re ramping up patrols across our 57 clubs from Boxing Day,” Mr Krige said.

“This includes right along the surf coast, which will see lifesaving and lifeguards patrolling everyday from Boxing Day until after the Australia Day long weekend,” he said.

Mr Krige said LSV was also ramping up surveillance, with a second helicopter joining its fleet, four drones patrolling from the skies and 18 rescues watercraft (jet skis) boosting capacity to spot struggling swimmers as needed across the state.

“It’s been a difficult year and we know people are excited to get out and on the water, but after lockdown and a long period away from swimming, it’s more important than ever that people remember: your safety is your responsibility,” Mr Krige said.

“As much as we’d like to be, our lifesavers and lifeguards can’t be everywhere at once, so you should always swim between the red and yellow flags at a patrolled locations, supervise children around water, and never drink and drown.

“Despite being largely preventable, rips are the number one hazard on the Australian coast, with on average 21 people drowning each year as a result of rip currents.”

Mr Krige said rips can reach speeds faster than even the strongest swimmers and can be difficult to spot, which is why it’s so important to never underestimate the power of the ocean and always check conditions before you swim by speaking to a lifesaver or lifeguard, or heading to beachsafe.org.au.

Beachgoers can also check their local beach’s patrol hours by heading to beachsafe.org.au.

MORE NEWS

SEVEN GEELONG MEN KILLED IN SUSPECTED MURDERS

HOW MUCH CRIME IS RIDDLING YOUR SUBURB

GEELONG MUM’S RELIEF AFTER COVID NIGHTMARE

Originally published as Beach safety warning issued ahead of warm Boxing Day