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Life Saving Victoria is urging Victorians on Melbourne Cup long weekend to prioritise safety when in water

Life Saving Victoria (LSV) is urging Victorians spending the unofficial Melbourne Cup long weekend by the water to prioritise their own and their loved ones' safety.

By news@gippsland - 25th October 2022 - Back to News

Life Saving Victoria is reminding the public to know and stick to their limits and make safe choices in, on and around the water, keeping in mind that the lifesaving patrol season has not yet commenced and that inland waterways may have changed dramatically or not be safe following recent flooding events, with risks including debris, contamination, currents, potholes, and changed riverbeds.

Life Saving Victoria is reminding the public to know and stick to their limits and make safe choices in, on and around the water

Reconsider safer location

LSV general manager health promotion and communications Dr Bernadette Matthews said there are a few simple measures people can take to stay safe on and around the water. "If you're enjoying the cup day holiday by the water, don't gamble on water safety."

"With many parts of Victoria sadly experiencing significant rain events and flooding in recent weeks, it is more important than ever to exercise caution at our waterways and check the VicEmergency app for updates on severe weather events and the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) website for water quality information."

"If you are planning to use the holiday to take a break by the water, you should also familiarise yourself with local risks such as park and road closures or damage due to the recent flooding, and reconsider travelling to a safer location." Dr Matthews said.

Consequences around water

Dr Matthews also warned the public that alcohol and drugs do not mix with water-related activities. "Alcohol and drugs are a key factor in drowning, and can lead people to overestimate their swimming ability and underestimate the risks involved in water-based activities."

"Consuming alcohol and drugs can also affect your judgement, coordination and reaction time, increasing risk-taking behaviour. If you plan on celebrating the public holiday with a drink, make sure you wait until after you have completed all water-related activities." she said.

Victorians are reminded to take care of their loved ones and mates, especially children, who must be actively supervised in, on and around water at all times. "We know children are curious, and sadly, this curiosity can have catastrophic consequences around water when active supervision lapses, even if for only a moment," Dr Matthews said.

Avoid a tragedy this cup day

Dr Matthews added, "To avoid a tragedy this cup day, make sure under fives are always within arm's reach and under tens are under constant and direct adult supervision."

"Children can drown in 20 seconds in as little as a few centimetres of water, so even taking a moment to get dinner started, put on a load of washing or grab towels for bath time is too long to leave a child unattended."

With 11 people having already drowned in Victoria since 1 July 2022, Dr Matthews said that while anyone can drown, no one should. "Think of those who matter the most this cup day holiday and put you, your family's and your friends' safety first," she said.

Pictures from Life Saving Victoria Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com