A man died on Boxing Day after falling out of his kayak at Balnarring Beach on the Mornington Peninsula.
Police said the man drowned near Mason-Smith Road about 1pm.
Emergency services at the scene where a man drowned after falling out of a kayak at Balnarring Beach.Credit: Nine News
Bystanders pulled him from the water and paramedics tried to revive him, but the man, who is yet to be formally identified, died at the scene.
Extreme heat on Boxing Day meant Victorians flocked to the state’s shores. Hot, dry and windy conditions forced residents in the state’s west to evacuate due to fires.
The temperature was expected to hit 39 degrees in Melbourne before a cool change in the evening.
The scene at Balnarring Beach. Credit: Nine News
A statewide total fire ban was in effect on Thursday as firefighters battled widespread fires near the Grampians National Park.
A report on the drowning will be prepared for the coroner.
Before Boxing Day’s death, 16 lives had been lost to drowning in Australia so far this summer.
The week between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day is the deadliest time to be in and on the water, Royal Life Saving Australia warned earlier this week.
“The dangers are heightened when people travel, visit unfamiliar locations or celebrate near water,” chief executive Justin Scarr said.
Last summer, 26 per cent of all drowning deaths nationally occurred between Christmas and New Year – an average of three people drowned per day.
The danger is greatest on public holidays, with the highest drowning rates consistently recorded on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
“The festive season is a time for relaxing, social gatherings and celebrations, but we know this is the riskiest time to be around water,” Scarr said.
Beachgoers cool down on Port Melbourne Beach on Boxing Day.Credit: Eddie Jim
“So, it’s also when we need to stay most vigilant around water.”
Summer drownings are up this season compared to 2023 when 13 deaths were recorded in the first 20 days of the season.
With AAP