Lifeguards rescue 20 people as thousands flock to beaches, including eight in flash rip

Eight people were pulled from a flash rip at one of the region’s most popular beaches as lifeguards rescued a total of 20 people across the region over the weekend.

Eight people were pulled from a flash rip at Breamlea as lifeguards rescued 20 people across the region over the weekend.

The rip occurred at Bancoora Beach around 3pm on Sunday leading to the board rescue of eight people in just 20 minutes.

It’s understood two swimmers were between the red and yellow flags, while the six other swimmers were just outside the flags.

Lifeguards also rescued a further 12 people from surf across the Geelong and Bellarine on Saturday and Sunday as thousands of Victorians flocked to the region’s beaches over the weekend.

Life Saving Victoria general manager of lifesaving services Liam Krige said the flash rip was a reminder of how quickly conditions can change.

PHOTOS: Good times roll at Jan Juc beach

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“Flash rips appear suddenly and usually without warning,” Mr Krige said.

“They can be caused by a large surf build up, a change in tides or other factors, and can cause the seaward current to pull intensely over a relatively short period of time.

“It’s situations like these that reinforce why swimming between the flags at patrolled beaches, supervising children and knowing your limits is so important - no matter how strong a swimmer you are, the ocean is stronger.”

The rescued swimmers were not injured.

Parents are also being warned keep children under five within arm’s reach after lifeguards reunited 10 missing children, including one in Geelong, with their families.

With the mercury expected to tip 38C on Monday, beachgoers are being reminded to swim between the flags and ensure children are supervised at all times.

Summer photo spread from Jan Juc on Sunday. Picture: Alan Barber

Director of lifesaving services Kane Treloar said paramedics also attended two heat-related medical incidents in the Geelong and Bellarine areas across the weekend.

“It’s going to be another hot one, and we’re expecting people to flock to waterways again today,” Mr Treloar said.

“If you are heading down to the water, make sure you make safety your priority.

“Swim between the red and yellow flags at patrolled locations, always supervise children and know your limits.”

The warning comes after lifesavers last week revealed 60 rescues had been performed in the Geelong and Surf Coast region between November 1 and January 5.

Victoria has experienced its worst six-month period for drownings since records began, with 35 drowning deaths occurring across Victoria in the final six months of 2020.

Mr Treloar urged swimmers against complacency.

“Most people have just spent an extended period away from water in quarantine, so exercise caution and don’t underestimate the risks around water,” Mr Treloar said.

“We want everyone to be able to enjoy the water safely, and by following these simple steps, you can.”

Parents are encouraged to keep children under five with arm’s reach, while children under 10 should be within eyesight around water.

According the LSV’s 2019-20 drowning report the ­region has a 92 per cent chance of at least one drowning death every year, with 25 fatalities ­recorded over the past decade.

In the same time period, 76 Geelong residents were taken to hospital and 51 patients ­presented to emergency ­departments after near drownings.

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Originally published as Lifeguards rescue 20 people as thousands flock to beaches, including eight in flash rip