Surf Coast, Geelong lifesavers ready for another big weekend

Following a record weekend where almost half of the state’s rescues occurred locally, lifeguards and police will be keeping a close eye on our beaches.

Jan Juc SLSC’s Emer Oxspring, Miette Thomson, Olivia Jenkins, Issy Heather and Billie-Jack Thomson. Picture: Mark Wilson.

Lifeguards across the region are expecting another hectic weekend as crowds continue to pack local beaches.

Saturday is expected to see a maximum temperature of 33C, dropping slightly on Sunday to 29C, and Jan Juc Surf Life Saving Club captain Olivia Jenkins said the team was well prepared.

The weekend just gone was Life Saving Victoria’s busiest in 20 years, with 177 rescues statewide – almost half of which occurred on the Surf Coast and Greater Geelong.

The 85 people rescued locally exceeded last year’s entire summer patrol season and many were at Jan Juc, including 10 on Saturday afternoon.

“We’re pretty lucky that we have a very large based of skilled volunteers who all know the beach,” Ms Jenkins said.

The 22-year-old said her team had found it difficult to keep people between the flags, especially as it became more crowded in patrolled areas.

“Listen to lifeguards, they’ve always got your best interests at heart,” she said.

“There’s a lot of nerves getting onto the beach in the morning (on a hot day) when we don’t know what the day will bring.”

Jan Juc beach. Picture: Mark Wilson

In addition to lifeguards, the Water Police Squad will have a presence along the Surf Coast this weekend.

The unit has been called to more than 100 incidents across the state in the first week of the year, describing it as “extraordinarily busy”.

Many of this year’s call-outs have related to dangerous jet ski behaviour, including speeding and travelling too close to other swimmers.

Vessel operators can expect to be breath tested, have their marine licenses checked, and vessels inspected for the mandatory safety equipment such as life jackets, torches and fire extinguishers.

“People need to remember that a split-second decision can have lifelong consequences,” Water Police Squad Inspector James Dalton said.

“Water Police will continue to patrol the state’s waterways this summer, but vessel operators need to take some responsibility for their own behaviour and safety, because we can’t be everywhere at once.

“That means wearing a lifejacket, respecting the safety of other water users, and carrying the mandatory safety equipment.”

Australia has recorded more than 40 drowning deaths since December 1 and four people aged under 17 have lost their lives, as authorities also warn of the risk to those 65 or older.

Jan Juc SLSC is prepping for another big weekend. From left to right: Emer Oxspring, Miette Thomson, Issy Heather, Billie-Jack Thomson and Olivia Jenkins. Picture: Mark Wilson.

Life Saving Victoria’s Kane Treloar said the best way for beachgoers to stay safe was to head to the Beach Safe website and, where possible, always swim between the flag.

Originally published as Surf Coast, Geelong lifesavers ready for another big weekend