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Take Care Over SummerWith temperatures already well over average in November, summer has truly arrived. The warm weather also means an influx of visitors and holiday-makers to Bass Coast. By Bass Coast Shire Council - 24th November 2009 - Back to News Bass Coast Shire Council’s Community Safety Manager, Peter Laydon, said Council was preparing for a busy summer.
"We are expecting large numbers of visitors and our message to everyone coming to the area is ‘enjoy it, don’t spoil it’, said Mr Laydon.
"We want people coming to our beaches, parks and towns to take care of the environment, themselves and each other.
"Respect is really the key to everyone enjoying the summer period. We want people to enjoy themselves, but anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated.
"Parties, fires and camping are not allowed on our beaches and there will be regular beach patrols this summer to enforce this."
Be beach smart!
"There are some dangerous beaches in our Shire, so please, swim at patrolled beaches and take note of the beach number just in case of an emergency," said Mr Laydon.
"The numbers are at the beach entrances in a yellow triangle. If there is an emergency, quote the number when you ring 000 and the emergency services will be able to find you quickly."
Visitors may not be aware of local tide conditions and need to take extra care.
"Talk to locals about the beach you visit and be careful around rocks," urged Mr Laydon.
"We lose more people swept off rocks than we do on the roads in Bass Coast. Never turn your back on the water when you are on rocks."
Boating behaviour
The State Government recently introduced new legislation that will give Water Police greater powers to deal with hoon behaviour on the waterways.
"Boats and jet skis are very popular in this area, but people need to be aware of the rules and their responsibilities," said Mr Laydon.
"It is an offence to drive a boat or a jet ski if you are over the legal alcohol limit. In terms of drink/driving, the rules that apply on the roads also apply on the water.
"Jet ski riders cannot do more than 5 knots when they are within 50m of any swimmers and Water Police will be patrolling this summer to catch any breaches of boating regulations.
"If you do plan a day on the water, remember to check the weather conditions, check your equipment and know you boat’s safety limits," urged Mr Laydon.
"Be sun smart - wear sun screen and a hat and always let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return."
Boat ramp users must purchase a boat ramp ticket to launch their craft. Ticketing machines are now available at the ramps in Newhaven, Rhyll, Cowes and Inverloch.
"Our Community Safety Rangers will patrol boat ramps and anyone using the ramps without a ticket or parking illegally can expect to be fined," warned Mr Laydon.
Road safety
Every holiday, road safety is a major issue and this summer, Victoria Police will be conducting blitzes on speeding.
"We will have many more cars on our roads over summer, making it a little slower to get around, which can be frustrating," said Mr Laydon.
"We are urging people to take care on the roads and factor in extra time to allow for increased traffic. People also need to allow for delays due to the roadworks being done on roads all across the Shire.
"Obey the speed limits, plan your trip and leave plenty of time to reach your destination," advised Mr Laydon.
A national Hoon Hot Line has been set up, so you can report any hoon behaviour on
1800 333 000.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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