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Calls for more caution after four people drown in Victoria at beginning of 2022

Water safety authorities are warning everyone to be smart and safe around the water to avoid turning holidays into casualties.

By news@gippsland - 2nd January 2022 - Back to News

There's been a horror start to 2022, with four people losing their lives to drowning in Victoria since New Year's Eve. On Friday, a toddler passed away in hospital after being found unresponsive in a Footscray pond earlier in the week, along with a woman whose body was recovered by police after she was washed into the sea while rock fishing with family in Punchbowl.

The greatest risk any time you're near the water is drowning and after new year's drownings, the community and visitors around are being warned of the dangers of waterways following a spate of drownings in Victoria

More emergency services are called

Today has seen three further fatal drownings, with a seven-year-old boy's body being recovered by police search and rescue divers from the Snowy River in the state's east this morning, after we went missing while swimming yesterday.

Shortly after this, emergency services were called to Princetown, after three swimmers were reported in distress in rough conditions to the east of the Gellibrand River mouth. Although a local private helicopter was able to rescue the trio and commenced CPR on one of the swimmers, tragically, a 35-year-old male died at the scene.

These incidents bring the drowning toll this financial year to date to 25, including 9 since summer started - four and three more fatal drownings than the 10-year averages for those periods, respectively.

Urging Victorians to stop and think

Tragically, half of the drownings in the past 72 hours involved children aged 0 - 14 years. In addition to the fatalities, lifesavers have undertaken 44 rescues during the past 72 hours - each of which could have had a very different outcome if lifesavers weren't there.

Life Saving Victoria general manager lifesaving services Liam Krige said authorities were pleading with Victorians to take water safety seriously to prevent further tragedies. "The last thing we want to see is festivities turn into fatalities, but tragically, five people have died from drowning since New Year's Eve and seven since Christmas - it's an absolutely horrible start to 2022."

"We know people are keen to let loose and relax after another tough year, because we're urging Victorians to stop and think about the risks around water before they find themselves in trouble. It's clear people aren't taking the risks around water seriously, and we're incredibly concerned we're going to see further devastation in and around our waterways." Mr Krige said.

Make safety your priority

Mr Krige said, "People think drowning will never happen to them. But drowning can happen to anyone, and if you don't make safety your priority around water, it could happen to you. It only takes seconds for things to get out of hand, so while you're relaxing these holidays, remember to never relax your vigilance around water."

"While we've seen a horror spate of drownings during the past 72 hours, the good news is that drowning is preventable and there are simple steps you can take to keep yourself and your loved ones safe."

"This includes swimming at patrolled locations during times that lifesavers are present wherever possible, knowing and sticking to your limits, avoiding alcohol and other drugs around water, and constant and active adult supervision of children around water." Mr Krige continues.

Caution around water is a must

Mr Krige also commented, "Twenty seconds is all it takes for a child to drown in just a few centimetres of water, so remember to keep kids under five within arm's reach, and under 10s in eyesight. If you're planning on boating or fishing, remember that lifejackets save lives, so put on a well-fitted and properly maintained lifejacket before you head out, go out with a mate, and make sure you let someone know where you're going and when you'll be home."

"Half of all fatal drownings during the past decade resulted from unintentional entry into water, so even if you don't plan on going in, never turn your back on the sea and be cautious of rough waves or slippery or unstable waterway edges."Mr Krige added.

Being safe and smart

Mr Krige also said, "If there's one thing we want people to remember when they're around water, it's that anyone can drown, but no one should, so be safe and smart around water and make this new year one to remember for the right reasons."

"This spate of fatal drownings comes after lifesavers, police and the Bureau of Meteorology warned of the perfect storm for water safety with heat wave conditions across the state coinciding with the new year's long weekend." Mr Krige concluded.

Pictures from Life Saving Victoria blogs.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  Martin Cameron warns Latrobe Valley community safety is worsening under Labor, citing rising crime, reduced police resources, retail theft spikes, weak bail laws, and calls for tougher prevention and policing measures.
• South Gippsland immunisation sessions extended with extra times to support community after Leongatha Healthcare Centre closure
  Following Leongatha Healthcare Centre closure, immunisation sessions have been extended, offering full-range vaccines for children, adults, pregnant women, and at-risk groups, with extra times available for community bookings.
• Buckley Park Community Farm receives $10,000 South Gippsland Water grant for irrigation, hothouse and sustainable food production upgrades
  Buckley Park Community Farm received a $10,000 South Gippsland Water grant, funding irrigation upgrades, a chlorine filter, and a hothouse system to boost sustainability and local food production.
• Melina Bath warns rising crime under Labor threatens community safety, as offences increase, calling for stronger police support and tougher laws
  Eastern Victoria MP Melina Bath warns crime rose 12.7% to 640,860 under Labor, with reduced police funding and station hours leaving Victorians unsafe, calling for stronger laws and police support.
• East Gippsland Shire Council seeks independent safety audit quotes for Bairnsdale Outdoor Pool to ensure community safety
  East Gippsland Shire Council seeks quotes for an independent safety audit of Bairnsdale Outdoor Pool to assess risks, compliance, and required remedial works, ensuring a safe environment for staff and community.
• Princes Highway $2M upgrade improves safety and access for pedestrians at Lakes Entrance and Kalimna
  Nearly $2 million in joint government funding will upgrade Princes Highway at Lakes Entrance and Kalimna, improving pedestrian safety, access, and traffic flow with new medians, lighting, safety platforms, and path reconstruction.
• East Gippsland Council launches pool and spa safety inspection service to ensure compliance and protect residents
  East Gippsland Council reminds residents to ensure pools and spas meet safety regulations and offers a $385 Barrier Compliance Inspection Service, including inspection, report, follow-up, certification, and database lodgement.
• Draft Lion’s Park Master Plan prioritises inclusivity, safety and recreation for young women and girls, shaping Sale’s key community open space
  The Draft Lion’s Park Master Plan focuses on inclusive, safe spaces, especially for young women and girls, guiding staged improvements and inviting community feedback to shape Sale’s key open space.
• Danny O'Brien warns Labor is risking beachgoers safety by forcing councils, ratepayers to cover LSV funding shortfalls
  Danny O'Brien warns the Allan Labor government is forcing Gippsland councils and ratepayers to cover Life Saving Victoria shortfalls, risking reduced lifeguard patrols despite billions in new emergency services taxes.
• Parliamentary Inquiry into the 2026 summer fires across Victoria, make a submission by 15 March 2026
  Parliamentary Inquiry launched to scrutinise Victoria’s 2026 bushfire preparedness, planning, and emergency response across regional communities.
• Bass Coast Shire Council presents free Woolamai Beach Safety event featuring Dr Rip’s 'Science of the Surf' on 7 March 2026
  Bass Coast Shire Council will host a free, family-friendly beach safety event at Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club on 7 March 2026, featuring Professor Rob Brander’s Science of the Surf and live rip demonstration.
• Melina Bath criticises Labor for six-year delay restoring Thurra River Campground after 2019-20 bushfires
  Eastern Victoria MP Melina Bath criticises Labor’s six-year delay restoring Thurra River Campground, highlighting unsafe facilities, limited capacity, and urgent need for infrastructure replacement to support local families and tourism.
• Cape Paterson Traffic Plan adopted to improve safety through community-driven road and pedestrian upgrades
  Bass Coast Shire Council has adopted the Cape Paterson Traffic Management Plan, developed with strong community input to improve safety through speed reductions, traffic calming, better intersections, and pedestrian-cyclist connectivity.
• Customer Experience Survey shows strong satisfaction as East Gippsland Water uses feedback to improve services and operations
  East Gippsland Water’s Customer Experience Survey shows strong satisfaction results, capturing six months of feedback to improve service delivery, responsiveness, and communication across office and field operations.
• Danny O'Brien urges Gippslanders to use free blind safety kits to prevent tragic child accidents
  Gippsland South MP Danny O’Brien urges residents to order free Consumer Affairs Victoria blind safety kits, warning unsecured curtain cords are a hazard and simple fixes can prevent child deaths.
• Melina Bath statement wishes year 12 students across Eastern Victoria success in exams and future endeavours
  Melina Bath wishes all Year 12 students in eastern Victoria good luck for exams, encouraging pride in achievements, resilience, and success in future studies, work, or apprenticeships.
• East Gippsland Council reminds pet owners to register pets, ensure safety, cleanliness, and enjoyable public spaces for everyone
  East Gippsland Council urges pet owners to register animals, ensuring compliance, quick safe returns, and supporting responsible ownership for cleaner, safer, and more enjoyable community spaces.
• Baw Baw Shire Council secures funding for four key road safety projects through TAC and federal Blackspot Programs
  Baw Baw Shire Council secured TAC and Federal Blackspot funding for four key road safety projects in Warragul and Drouin, targeting high-risk areas with upgrades to improve safety for all road users.
• Martin Cameron demands action as data reveals dangerous one-star safety ratings on Latrobe Valley roads
  Nationals MP Martin Cameron has condemned the poor safety of Latrobe Valley roads, after state data revealed many key routes rated one or two stars, demanding urgent government action.
• Latrobe Valley residents invited to crime and community safety forum with Shadow Police Minister David Southwick
  Latrobe Valley residents are invited to a free crime and community safety forum with Shadow Police Minister David Southwick on 6 November, hosted by Martin Cameron MP at the Morwell RSL.
• Latrobe City Council's Councillor Sharon Gibson joins Regional Cities Victoria mayors to shape 2026 regional agenda
  Latrobe Mayor Sharon Gibson joins Regional Cities Victoria mayors to shape 2026 agenda, advocating sustainable growth, investment, and workforce opportunities for regional Victoria’s cities and surrounding communities.
• Regional all abilities participation grants is now open to boost inclusive sports opportunities for people with disability in regional communities
  The Allan Labor government's Regional All Abilities Participation Grants offer up to $25,000 for clubs to boost disability inclusion through equipment, training, travel support, and all-abilities sports programs.
• Latrobe Valley still waiting for Commonwealth Games Legacy Housing, four years after Labor promise
  Regional Victorians miss hosting Commonwealth Games athletes as promised Morwell legacy housing remains unbuilt. Nationals MPs Martin Cameron and Melina Bath criticize Allan Labor government’s broken promises amid worsening public housing crisis.
• Latrobe City Council enhances Seymour Street Car Park safety, lighting, access, and parking experience
  Latrobe City Council upgrades Seymour Street Car Park with improved lighting, safety measures, CCTV, and future real-time signage, ensuring accessible, secure all-day parking and enhanced confidence for CBD workers and visitors.
• Darren Chester joins East Gippsland community to honour fallen Victoria police officers on Remembrance Day
  Darren Chester joined the East Gippsland community for National Police Remembrance Day in Bairnsdale, honouring Victoria Police officers who lost their lives and recognising those who continue to serve.
• Danny O’Brien urges Gippsland South women to participate in free BreastScreen Victoria program for early breast cancer detection
  Gippsland South MP Danny O’Brien urges women aged 50-74 to use free BreastScreen Victoria services, improving early detection, reversing post-pandemic screening declines, and saving lives.
• East Bairnsdale drain transformed into natural wetland enhancing biodiversity, stormwater management, and facilities near Jones Bay
  A neglected East Bairnsdale drain has been transformed into a natural wetland near Jones Bay, enhancing stormwater management, biodiversity, flood mitigation, and community amenity through a $1.43 million collaborative project.
• Darren Chester secures full entitlements and support for Yarram sawmill workers after sudden job losses
  Federal MP Darren Chester confirms AKD Yarram Sawmill workers will receive full entitlements, financial, mental health support, and relocation opportunities following sudden closure, easing impact on 73 employees and their families.
• Danny O'Brien pushes for stronger police support and community safety measure with regards to rising crime in Gippsland
  Danny O’Brien warns Gippsland crime has risen 18%, with over 30% unsolved. He urges stronger police resourcing, law enforcement, and government action to improve community safety across the region.
• Over 350 attended Youth Agritech Expo, experiencing hands-on innovation and future opportunities in modern farming industry
  More than 350 people joined East Gippsland's Youth Agritech Expo, where students explored hands-on agricultural innovations, from drones to driverless tractors, sparking fresh excitement about farming's high-tech, diverse, and innovative future.
• Melina Bath criticises Labor government shutting public beekeeping, threatening Victoria's food security and horticultural jobs
  Melina Bath condemned the Allan Labor government's closure of public land beekeeping, warning it threatens food security, pollination, horticultural exports, and regional jobs, calling for policy reversal and support for apiarists.
• Wellington residents can safely dispose of recalled sand at Kilmany Transfer Station, free of charge
  Wellington residents can safely dispose of recalled sand at Kilmany Transfer Station for free, following safety guidelines, while refunds are managed by retailers including Officeworks, Kmart, and Educational Colours.
• Darren Chester welcomes safer Kalimna to Lakes Entrance walking path upgrade completed before Christmas period
  Gippsland MP Darren Chester says thousands are enjoying the upgraded Kalimna-Lakes Entrance walking path, with new asphalt, safety barriers and intersection improvements completed before Christmas for locals and visitors.
• Heyfield Wetlands visitors can now refill bottles and provide water for dogs using new fountain
  Heyfield Wetlands receives new drinking fountain, supporting community recreation, hydration, pets and Gippsland Water’s broader public refill network initiative.
• Allan Labor government backs First Nations athletes in Eastern Victoria with new sports grants
  The Allan Labor government has announced over $67,000 in Aboriginal Sport Participation Grants, supporting First Nations athletes in Eastern Victoria with travel, uniforms, and equipment to compete locally and nationally.
• Latrobe City Council develops community outreach program to boost CBD safety and reduce anti-social behaviour locally
  Latrobe City Council will develop a $30,000 community outreach program to support vulnerable individuals, reduce anti-social behaviour, and improve safety in CBDs and transport hubs across the municipality.
• Baw Baw Shire residents urged to be vigilant and follow safety rules despite fire restriction ease
  Despite eased restrictions, fire risk remains. Residents can conduct burn-offs under strict rules, must supervise fires, follow regulations, and stay alert as total fire ban days may still apply.
• Danny O’Brien warns 33 percent crime rise highlights Gippsland commuters’ safety concerns, lacking adequate PSO protection
  Crime on Gippsland public transport has risen nearly 33% in 12 months, raising concerns about PSO coverage and regional commuter safety under the Allan Labor government.