Lifesaving season to be extended after deadly drowning toll

Victoria’s beaches will be patrolled by lifesavers until well past Easter next year after a horror spate of drownings in which 61 people lost their lives.

Victoria’s lifesaving season will be extended this year following a spike in drownings.

This weekend will mark the official start of the annual patrol season for thousands of lifesavers and lifeguards.

It will mean that Victorian beaches will be patrolled from November 27 until well after Easter.

Last summer, Victoria’s volunteer lifesavers and lifeguards performed 612 rescues and undertook almost 234,000 preventative actions to keep an estimated 3.8 million beach goers safe.

There are significant concerns about a spike in drownings post-lockdown. Picture: Jason Edwards

Last year Victoria recorded its highest deadly drowning toll in more than 20 years. Picture: Jason Edwards

Tragically, last year Victoria recorded its highest deadly drowning toll in more than 20 years, with 61 people losing their life.

Emergency Services Minister Jaclyn Symes said there were significant concerns that more drownings would occur post lockdown.

“People will undoubtably be keen to visit our beautiful beaches this summer, however it’s important that they be careful around the water,” Ms Symes said.

Ms Symes urged Victorians to “do their part and reduce the risk by only swimming between the flags at patrolled areas”.

More to come