Off-Season Water Safety Plea

MEDIA RELEASE

LIFE SAVING VICTORIA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday 11 April 2016

                                             Off-Season Water Safety Plea

Life Saving Victoria is joining other water safety authorities to encourage safe water practises in the cooler months, now that the official patrol season has ended.

Volunteer lifesavers and lifeguards performed 478 rescues, attended 1641 first aid incidents and helped keep more than 2 million visitors to Victorian beaches safe during the 2015/2016 patrol season, which ended yesterday.

There have been 31 reported drowning deaths in Victoria since July, 19 of those in coastal waters which represents 60 per cent of all drowning deaths during this period.

Last financial year there was an increase in drowning deaths in winter which represented almost one third (31%) of all drowning deaths for the year (39). Five of the nine boating incidents occurred in winter.

Life Saving Victoria’s Lifesaving Operations Manager Greg Scott said it’s important to understand the water conditions you will be swimming or recreating in.

``Assess the conditions and your abilities and whether your activities are appropriate for the conditions,’’ Mr Scott said.

``Read safety signs whenever recreating near the water and ensure you understand the local hazards and dangers.

``Never swim alone. Always make sure someone else is looking out for you around the water.’’

Maritime Safety Victoria Recreational Boating Safety Manager Lisa Taylor said statistics show that boaters drown when they fall in the water unexpectedly.

``The best way to avoid entering the water is to ensure your boat is suitable for the conditions and in good working order. Check the weather, wind and sea conditions before you head out on the water,’’ Ms Taylor said.

``Dressing warmly and wearing a lifejacket that is correctly fitted and in good condition can help you buy time should you unexpectedly fall in the water. Make sure you raise the alarm as soon as you can.’’

Sergeant Mark Braun from the Water Police said it is important people plan their trip before they head out.

``Just because the sunny weather has gone, doesn’t mean the risk has,’’ Sergeant Braun said.

``If anything, the dynamic winter weather should be an additional prompt for people to plan their trip before they head out.

``Let people know where you’re going, how long you’re planning to be out and make sure your safety equipment is up to date.’’

Bureau of Meteorology Senior Meteorologist Tony Bannister said Victoria’s bays actually become colder than the ocean in winter, with temperatures plummeting by up to 10 degrees turning the water a frigid 11degrees.

``Big low pressure systems can create waves up to 4 stories high in Bass Strait and 2 metres locally," Mr Bannister said.

For further information visit http://www.bom.gov.au/marine/about/check-the-weather.shtml

Lifesaving patrols on Victorian beaches will resume in November.

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