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Gippslanders urged to be alert and aware of hidden dangers beneath the water surface by Life Saving Victoria

Life Saving Victoria (LSV) is urging people to never underestimate the risks around water, as data reveals swimming, paddling, or wading as the most common activities preceding drowning in the month of February.

By news@gippsland - 3rd February 2023 - Back to News

Swimmers warned of hidden dangers beneath the surface. This comes as 33 people have already drowned in Victoria from 1 July 2022 to 1 February 2023, including 13 since Christmas Day, representing the highest holiday drowning figures in 18 years.

Drowning can happen to anyone, remember to never underestimate the hidden dangers of open and beneath the surface of the waters

Risky waters

LSV manager research and evaluation Dr Hannah Calverley warned Victorians eager to enjoy the last of the summer weather by flocking to waterways to stop and think about their own abilities before rushing into the water.

"Victoria has stunning waterways and it is understandable people are eager to enjoy them, but we ask you to stop and think before rushing in and make safe decisions in, on and around water."

"Inland waterways are particularly risky, with almost half of the 33 reported fatal drownings this year occurring in inland waterways, so it is really important to remember that just because a waterway looks flat or calm, does not mean there is no danger." Dr Calverley said.

Familiarise yourself about risks

Dr Calverley said, "Rivers, creeks and dams can have hidden dangers lurking beneath the surface such as currents, sudden drop offs, slippery edges or debris, so even if you are just paddling or wading you could very quickly find yourself out of your depth and in trouble.

"This is why we urge people to check your skill level against the water conditions and whether you have the ability to swim there. If you do decide to get in the water, enter feet first and slowly, read signage to familiarise yourself with risks and if in doubt, don't go out." Dr Calverley said.

Staying safe around waters

Dr Calverley also reminded swimmers, paddlers and waders of the potential hazards at coastal waterways. "It's a common misconception that sharks are the biggest risk at Australian waterways, when it is actually rips," she said.

"Rip is the number one hazard on the Australian coast, and can overcome even the strongest swimmer. This is why even confident swimmers should go to a patrolled location and swim between the red and yellow flags, where lifesavers can keep an eye on you and potential aquatic risks." Dr Calverley said.

To find your nearest patrolled location, head to Beach Safe page.

Pictures from Life Saving Victoria Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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• 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.
• 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.
• Tim Bull urges Gippsland East households to apply for $100 Power Saving Bonus amid rising costs
  Gippsland East MP Tim Bull urges locals to apply for the $100 Power Saving Bonus, helping households manage rising costs. Eligible residents can seek assistance at his Bairnsdale office.
• Melina Bath appointed Shadow Minister for Outdoor Recreation, championing regional lifestyles and economic opportunities
  Melina Bath has been appointed Shadow Minister for Outdoor Recreation, pledging to champion outdoor access, community wellbeing, and the vital economic and lifestyle benefits outdoor activities bring to regional Victoria.
• Latrobe Valley households to cut energy bills with efficient electric heat pump hot water system upgrades
  Latrobe Valley households can cut energy bills by $330 annually with efficient heat pump hot water systems, thanks to the Allan Labor government's SEC one stop shop pilot expansion.
• 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.
• Danny O'Brien warns Bayside Health merger threatens Gippsland communities, confirming hidden health service consolidation
  Danny O'Brien criticises Labor's Bayside Health merger, warning it will reduce local hospital autonomy, limit community input, and risk services for Gippsland residents, prioritising bureaucratic cost-saving over patient care.
• Melina Bath has raised concerns in Parliament about Emerald Secondary College closures and urged fire upgrades
  Melina Bath raises concerns over Emerald Secondary College closures during high fire danger days, urging Allan government to improve fire resilience and keep schools safely open, reducing learning disruption for students.
• Melina Bath launches e-petition urging Labor to enforce gun laws properly and protect law-abiding firearm owners in Gippsland
  Eastern Victoria MP Melina Bath and firearm owner Ryan Weeratunge launch e-petition urging Labor to enforce existing gun laws, avoid rushed changes, and consult law-abiding owners to ensure community safety.
• Martin Cameron says community safety has declined under Labor amid rising crime and 1500 Victoria Police vacancies
  Nationals and Liberals pledge 3,000 extra Victoria Police officers and restored station hours under Safer Communities Plan, addressing regional crime concerns, vacancies, and policing shortages across Latrobe Valley.
• Wombat damage causes Main Northern Channel leak near Brewers Hill Road, repairs underway with wildlife considerations
  Wombat burrows damaged the Main Northern Channel near Brewers Hill Road, Maffra. Repairs are underway, water supply reduced temporarily, with customer orders prioritised and wildlife protections considered.
• Tim Bull urges Labor government to stop costly brumby culling amid Parks Victoria job and funding cuts
  Tim Bull urges Labor to halt costly brumby culling in East Gippsland, citing job losses, funding cuts, and greater threats from feral pigs, while advocating for more responsible taxpayer spending.
• Melina Bath urges Allan government to urgently address hazardous roadside vegetation threatening eastern Victoria communities
  Nationals’ Melina Bath warns eastern Victoria communities face bushfire risks from overgrown roadside vegetation, urging Allan Government to implement slashing, controlled burning, and weed management to improve public safety.
• Danny O’Brien said poor dental health is tied to cardiovascular disease, diabetes complications and mental health impacts
  Gippslanders now face almost two-year waits for public dental care, with Danny O’Brien blaming a decade of Labor for doubled delays, escalating health risks and under-resourced regional clinics.