Victoria set to record deadliest year for drownings

Despite the state’s months-long lockdown, Victoria has recorded a shock drowning statistic this year.

Dozens of people have drowned in Victorian waterways since July. Picture: Sarah Matray

Victoria is on track for the deadliest year on record for drownings, prompting a $1.7 million Life Saving Victoria boost.

At least 27 people have drowned in Victorian waterways since July this year, including five children ranging from infants to four years old.

Police and Emergency Services Minister Lisa Neville revealed the sad tally in Ocean Grove on Sunday.

“In 2019-20 we saw a decline, a decrease in our drownings, but unfortunately, since July of this year, we’ve seen, we’re breaking records,” she said.

“I don’t like to break these sorts of records.

“This is a really good time to send a message that people need to take care on our beaches.

“We don’t want to see this trend continue for the rest of this summer.”

There has been a particular rise in deaths for men between the ages of 45 and 64 and young men between 25 to 44.

The state government announced the additional $1.7 million for Life Saving Victoria to add an additional 300 life savers to keep watch over the summer period at 67 beaches and 570 pools.

“We know Victorians are excited to get back to the water this summer, so we’re making sure our life savers have the resources they need to keep people safe,” Ms Neville said.

“We’ll have more lifeguards, and increased water patrols and aerial surveillance along the coast to make sure people can still go swimming, in a way that is both water safe and COVIDSafe.”