Lifesavers warn against potentially disastrous weekend in waterways

Cooped up Victorians emerging from lockdown are being urged to swim between the flags following the worst drowning season on record.

Victorians are being urged to play it safe around the water.

Cooped up Victorians are urged to be wary around the water as they emerge from lockdown, following a spate of horror drownings this summer.

Emergency authorities are on high alert as temperatures are set to soar over the next few days, pleading for Victorians to swim between the flags to avoid potentially fatal consequences.

It comes as the state has recorded the most deadly year in the water on record, with 43 people drowning since July 1.

Life Saving Victoria said the end of lockdown combined with hot weather made it a dangerous time to be around the water.

Adding to the potential risk was the fact weekday lifeguard patrols are coming to an end on Friday following an extended season.

“We know people are going to be really eager to get outdoors and enjoy the warm weather, we want you to do it in a safe manner,” LSV General Manager of Lifesaving Services Liam Krige said.

“With warm weather, easing restrictions and the lifeguard season ending, it is more important than ever people plan before heading to the water in order to stay safe.

“We’ve seen far too many lives cut short and families lose loved ones to drowning this season after last year’s lockdowns.

“We don’t want to see history repeating itself when restrictions lift. To stay safe, it’s critically important you know your limits and stay within them.”

Temperatures are set to soar across Melbourne. Picture: David Crosling/AAP.

Although weekday patrols will come to an end, lifesaving clubs will remain “on standby” for weekday responses whose work will be bolstered by roving jet ski and helicopter services throughout March.

Volunteer lifeguards will patrol beaches between 10am and 4pm on weekends until April 18.

Mr Krige also urged parents to be on high alert around the home and to consider “hidden water risks” that may exist.

He said a staggering 13 children aged under 14 had drowned since July 1.

“That’s the highest number of drowning deaths we’ve seen in this age group in more than 20 years and nine more than the annual average,” he said.

“This tragic trend needs to end.

“Twenty seconds is all it takes for a child to drown in just a few centimetres of water – even something as innocuous as a half full bucket – so always keep kids under five in arm’s reach, and under 10s in eyesight.”

In Melbourne, the mercury is set to tip 33C today and Friday and 32C on Saturday.