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Life Saving Victoria urges caution: prioritise water safety after flash flooding along Great Ocean Road waterways

Life Saving Victoria warns Victorians to prioritise water safety after flash flooding along Great Ocean Road, urging caution near waterways, checking conditions, swimming at patrolled beaches, and following lifeguard directions.

By news@gippsland - 16th January 2026 - Back to News

Life Saving Victoria is urging all Victorians to prioritise water safety following flash flooding along parts of the Great Ocean Road, including Wye River and Kennett River. While conditions may appear calm, flood-impacted coastal and inland waterways can pose serious risks to public safety. Heavy rainfall and run-off can result in poor water quality, submerged hazards, strong currents, and unstable shorelines.

Life Saving Victoria warns Victorians to prioritise water safety after flash flooding along Great Ocean Road, as waterways remain hazardous, with strong currents, poor water quality, and submerged risks

Key water safety reminders

Before heading out:

• Check current conditions via the Bureau of Meteorology and the VicEmergency app
• Avoid swimming in flood-affected areas, particularly where water quality is likely to be compromised
• Plan visits to patrolled beaches where lifeguards are present and swim between the red and yellow flags

While near the water:

• Supervise children at all times
• Never swim alone - always go with a friend
• Stay out of the water if you have been drinking alcohol
• Read and follow safety signage
• Be cautious of debris, unstable riverbanks, or fast-moving water

Stay Informed:

• VicEmergency App: for local flood warnings, alerts, and safety updates
• Beachsafe App: for patrol locations, hazards, and weather updates
• BOM for real-time weather and water condition updates
• Water Safety Resources

Volunteer lifesavers and paid lifeguards continue to patrol key locations, with aerial and on-water services also supporting operations where needed. Please follow the direction of lifesaving personnel and emergency services. For further information or media enquiries, please contact LSV Media on (03) 9676 6970.

Pictures from Life Saving Victoria Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  Gippsland MP Darren Chester says Labor’s firearm law changes unfairly punish regional Australians, distract from failures tackling anti-Semitism and extremism, and won’t prevent terrorism like the Bondi attack tragedy violence.
• Latrobe City Council endorses community engagement on draft financial, asset, and road management plans
  Council endorsed community engagement on key draft plans, including the Financial, Asset, and Road Management Plans, ensuring alignment with the Community Vision, Council Plan, and long-term strategic planning framework.
• Melina Bath encourages increased funding for regional palliative care, ensuring dignity and support statewide
  Melina Bath warned underfunded regional palliative care forces terminally ill Victorians into hospitals instead of home, calling for urgent investment to ensure dignity, support, and equal access across eastern Victoria.