Surf life saving season comes to an end with a record number of local rescues

With red and yellow flags taken down as the swimming season came to an end, a Life Saving Victoria expert has labelled an increase in rescues “worrying”.

Lifesavers and lifeguards across Geelong and the Surf Coast have rescued more than 240 people from the water during a record-breaking season, which now comes to an end.

Red and yellow flags across the state will be taken down for the last time on Monday, with Life Saving Victoria recording more than 700 rescues and performing 140 ‘major first aids’ since the start of the season in mid-November.

The Greater Geelong and Surf Coast region recorded 246 rescues, which was 35 more than last season.

LSV state agency commander Kane Treloar called the increase in rescues “worrying”.

“We’re incredibly grateful to be able to support the community while they enjoy beautiful Geelong and Surf Coast waterways, but it is worrying to see rescues rising,” he said.

The total statewide rescues were 18 per cent higher than those performed during the 2020-21 season, which held the previous record for the busiest season.

In Geelong, 61 rescues were performed by volunteer lifesavers and professional lifeguards from the Bancoora, Barwon Heads, 13th Beach, Ocean Grove and Point Lonsdale surf life saving clubs.

Life Saving Victoria’s general manager for lifesaving services Liam Krige is reminding the community that the cooler months can be equally as dangerous with 62 per cent of drownings across the state occurring outside of the patrol season.

“Unintentional entry into the water – such as walking near the water and falling or slipping on unstable rocks or riverbanks – is one of the most common risks around waterways,” he said.

“In winter, even if the sun is shining, average Victorian sea temperatures can drop below 15 degrees Celsius, which can cause cold water shock.

The red and yellow flags will be pulled down for the last time on Monday. Picture: Tim Hunter.

“Sudden immersion in cold water can send your body into shock and significantly increase your risk of drowning, especially when combined with unintentional entry.”

Mr Krige is also encouraging those who would be boating and fishing during the off-season to ensure they have the right equipment and safety measures in place.

“If you’re boating or fishing – including from the rocks, remember no one expects to find themselves in trouble,” he said.

“Seventy nine per cent of boating related drowning deaths in the past decade involved no or improper lifejacket use.”

LSV data has further shown that 30 per cent of the past decades drowning deaths have involved drugs or alcohol.

The Victorian government invested $4.5m into lifesaving services, funding paid lifeguard patrols and state services including helicopter, drone, jet ski and marine search and rescue during the 2021-22 season.

“The best time to prepare for next summer is now, so we encourage anyone looking to brush up on their swimming and water safety skills to enrol in swimming lessons in the off season,” he said.

Originally published as Surf life saving season comes to an end with a record number of local rescues