Man drowns at Shelley Beach while swimming with mate

A scuba diver has drowned in front of his diving mates at one of Victoria’s most treacherous beaches, as lifesavers urge people to remain vigilant ahead of another week-long heatwave.

A scuba diver drowned in front of his diving mates at one of Victoria’s most treacherous beaches on Sunday.

A rescue chopper, air ambulance and volunteer lifeguards from a nearby beach raced to save two men from waters off Kilcunda beach on the South Gippsland coast.

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The alarm was raised after another diver managed to swim to shore and call for help.

A man, who is yet to be identified, was winched from the surf shortly before 11am and paramedics worked for some time to revive him.

Sadly he could not be saved.

Lifeguards on patrol at Woolamai Safety Beach were also called in to help save a second diver who found himself in danger.

The man in his 30s was pulled from the waters by jetskis and was treated for mild hypothermia and fatigue. He was taken to Wonthaggi hospital and was last night in a stable condition.

Kilcunda beach, about 120km from Melbourne, is not patrolled and is rated 7 out of 10 on Life Saving Australia’s hazard rating.

Lifesaving Victoria Operations Manager Kane Treloar said it was a notoriously treacherous area.

“It’s a highly hazardous beach, there have been a number of tragedies in recent times,” he said.

“I’m proud of the efforts of our lifesavers who responded, given the difficult conditions.”
Mr Treloar said it was disappointing yet another life had been lost this summer.

16 people have drowned in Victorian waters since the beginning of summer - eight more than the five year average.

As Victoria braces for another predicted week-long heatwave, life savers are urging people to remaining vigilant and opt for patrolled beaches.

There are more than 40 beaches with active patrols across Victoria.

Port Phillip Bay is also being patrolled for the first time ever this year.
“It’s more important than ever that people plan ahead - whether that be on the coast or in their backyard,” Mr Treloar said.

He urged people to always swim with a buddy - something that helped prevent a double tragedy.
“The fact that one of the divers could swim to shore and raise the alarm proved vital,” he said.

Earlier this year, the Herald Sun revealed the state government was considering a TAC-style shock campaign amid on of the deadliest seasons on record.

Police will prepare a report for the coroner following the man’s death at Kilcunda.

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