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Life Saving Victoria urges vigilance over Easter holidays after record drowning deaths last year

Life Saving Victoria warns Victorians to stay alert over Easter holidays, urging safety at beaches, pools, and waterways after last year’s record 13 drowning deaths nationwide.

By news@gippsland - 4th April 2026 - Back to News

Life Saving Victoria (LSV) is calling on the community to be prepared and alert for the upcoming holiday period, following a tragic Easter long weekend last year. Thirteen people fatally drowned in multiple incidents across the country, the highest number of Easter drowning deaths on record. This included two people who were washed off rocks at Punchbowl near San Remo.

Life Saving Victoria urges vigilance over Easter holidays after last year’s record 13 drownings, warning unpatrolled waterways remain particularly dangerous

Easter drowning warning

Nationally, more than 120 lives have been lost to drowning over the past 20 years during the Easter period, with drowning rates roughly tripling over public holidays. The majority of drowning incidents occur at unpatrolled locations without volunteer lifesavers or paid lifeguards to assist people in distress.

Inland waterways such as lakes, rivers and dams are common settings for fatal drownings, as are private swimming pools. LSV advises that variable conditions are forecast across Victorian coastal locations. Check the Bureau of Meteorology and the Beachsafe app before heading out on the water.

Water safety reminder

Members of the public are urged to take a number of simple measures to keep themselves and each other safe:

• Actively supervise children at all times
• Avoid alcohol when swimming, boating or supervising others
• Always wear a lifejacket when boating, fishing or kayaking and paddleboarding
• Check the weather conditions, and know your own limits and abilities
• Swim at patrolled beaches between the red and yellow flags where possible
• Always swim with a friend
• Remember public pools are among the safest places to swim, with lifeguards always on duty. They're a great place to enjoy water, particularly if you or your loved ones aren't confident around water

Life Saving Victoria CEO Cath Greaves said that, with Easter coming early, people were expected to head to Victoria's waterways and make the most of warmer weather over the long weekend and school holidays.

"Life Saving Victoria asks all Victorians to stay alert and prepare when heading out to enjoy the water. A fatal drowning incident can happen quickly, and silently, so I implore everyone to remain vigilant over the upcoming holidays. We don't want to see a repeat of last Easter," Ms. Greaves said. For further information contact the LSV Media team / 03 9676 6970 or visit Life Saving Victoria website.

Pictures from Life Saving Victoria Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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