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Life Saving Victoria urges water safety precautions as heatwave drives crowds to beaches and pools

Life Saving Victoria warns Victorians to prioritise water safety during this week’s 40°C heatwave, swim at patrolled locations, supervise children, avoid alcohol, and always swim with a friend.

By news@gippsland - 6th January 2026 - Back to News

Life Saving Victoria (LSV) urges the community to keep water safety front-of-mind, as temperatures are forecast to soar above 40 degrees this week. The Victorian community is expected to flock to Victoria's beaches, pools and waterways in large numbers to beat the hot weather, and LSV will increase paid lifeguard services at a number of locations to keep the public safe in the water.

Victorians are expected to visit beaches, pools, and waterways during the heatwave; LSV increases lifeguard patrols as drownings and water incidents rise

Victorians are expected to visit beaches, pools, and waterways during the heatwave; LSV increases lifeguard patrols as drownings and water incidents rise

Prevent heatwave drownings

Sadly, drownings and other water-related incidents tend to increase significantly during heatwaves. Major factors include swimming at unpatrolled locations without volunteer lifesavers and paid lifeguards, children not being supervised, and extreme heat exacerbating existing medical conditions.

LSV encourages everyone to take a number of simple steps to keep themselves and each other safe:

  • Swim at patrolled locations between the red and yellow flags, where volunteer lifesavers and paid lifeguards can assist if you get into trouble
  • Supervise children at all times
  • Always swim with a friend
  • Avoid alcohol before going in the water
  • Check conditions and know your limits and capabilities, particularly if you're at an unfamiliar beach or waterway

Check the beachsafe app or go to beachsafe.org.au to find a swimming location that's safest.

Promoting water safety

Also remember that public swimming pools are among the safest places to swim, with lifeguards always on duty. They provide great places to cool off, particularly if you or your loved ones aren't confident in the water.

Life Saving Victoria Chief Operations Officer - Emergency Management Capability and Response Kirsty Robertson said no one wants a day by the water to turn to tragedy. "One drowning is one too many, and we need everyone to do what they can to keep themselves and each other safe. Water safety is everyone's responsibility," Ms. Robertson said. For further information contact the LSV Media team / 03 9676 6970.

Pictures from Latrobe City Council Facebook page.


Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com



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