Lifesavers increase manpower after 29-year-old man found dead at Eastern Beach
A tragedy at Eastern Beach has sparked Life Saving Victoria into reinforcing protection for swimmers at the summer hot spot.
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Life Saving Victoria is boosting the numbers of lifesavers on duty at Eastern Beach following a tragic suspected drowning on Wednesday, and ahead of increased crowds during the New Year’s Eve long weekend.
A 29-year-old man from Epping was found in the water off Eastern Beach on Wednesday afternoon, having died from a suspected drowning.
The man is expected to become the sixth drowning death recorded in the region this year, with a post mortem to be conducted to determine the cause of death.
LSV General Manager Liam Krige on Thursday offered condolences to all those affected by the tragedy, and revealed the organisation would boost its presence at the beach to further reinforce protection for swimmers.
“With warm weather conditions expected to continue during the New Year’s Eve long weekend, we have increased the number of lifeguards at Eastern Beach from four to six, along with increased lifesaving services at other key locations across the state,” Mr Krige said.
“We’re urging swimmers and waterway users to make their safety their priority around water.
“Never swim alone. Always know and stick to your limits. Look out for your mates.”
The warning comes as temperatures are predicted to hit 37C and 35C on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, creating a “perfect storm” for water safety according to LSV and the Bureau of Meteorology.
According to LSV, coastal drownings are 2.3 times more likely to occur on a public holiday and 2.4 times more likely on a long weekend
“Make this New Year one to remember for the right reasons. Don’t let festivities turn into fatalities,” LSV state agency commander Kane Treloar said on Thursday.
“While the New Year is typically time for celebration, remember alcohol and water do not mix. If you’re planning on drinking this new year, only do so after you have left the water.”
Man dies in suspected Eastern Beach drowning
A man has died in a suspected drowning at Geelong’s waterfront in a horror start to the busiest time of year for our region’s beaches.
A Victoria Police spokesman confirmed the body of a 29-year-old man from Epping was located in waters off Eastern Beach late Wednesday.
“Emergency services were called to the beach off Ritchie Boulevard about 4.35pm to reports of a missing swimmer,” he said.
“An extensive search of the area was conducted and sadly a 29-year-old Epping man was located deceased.
“A post-mortem will be conducted to determine the cause of death.”
It is the sixth drowning in the region this year.
It comes as lifesavers adopt new technologies in a bid to make the state’s waterways safer following record drownings last summer.
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