Gippsland › Latest news › Life Saving Victoria

Life Saving Victoria urges water safety as Australia Day Weekend temperatures soar and drowning risks double

Life Saving Victoria urges water safety over the Australia Day long weekend as temperatures rise to 37 degrees. Increased patrols, rescue teams, and public vigilance are essential to prevent drownings, with 14 fatalities already recorded this summer.

By news@gippsland - 24th January 2025 - Back to News

Life Saving Victoria (LSV) is urging the community to take care in, on and around the water during the upcoming Australia Day long weekend, as temperatures are forecast to soar up to 37 degrees. The risk of drowning in Victorian waterways roughly doubles on public holidays, so members of the public are encouraged to remain vigilant to keep their loved ones, friends and themselves safe.

Life Saving Victoria urges vigilance around water as Australia Day weekend temperatures soar to 37 degrees Celsius, with drowning risks doubling on public holidays

Lifesavers ready statewide

Volunteer lifesavers and LSV staff including CEO Cath Greaves and Chief Operations Officer for Emergency Management Capability and Response Kirsty Robertson were joined by Emergency Services Minister Vicki Ward and Emergency Management Commissioner Rick Nugent at Sandridge Life Saving Club in Port Melbourne, as large numbers of Victorians and visitors are expected to flock to beaches, pools and waterways across the state.

Victoria's lifesaving clubs will be running volunteer patrols across Victorian beaches, while paid lifeguards will be on duty at community pools and a number of coastal locations. The Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter, Rescue Water Craft and Remote Piloted Aircraft Systems teams will also be deployed to protect beachgoers.

Prioritising water safety

LSV CEO Cath Greaves said it was vital the community worked together to ensure the long weekend was a safe and enjoyable one for all. "Water safety is everyone's responsibility, and I implore everyone to do what they can to stay safe in the water. Swim at patrolled locations between the red and yellow flags where possible, always swim with a friend, supervise children at all times and check the Beachsafe app to find a safe place to swim."

"I thank all our volunteer lifesavers, paid lifeguards and staff who are out this weekend, and who have worked tirelessly to keep our community safe over summer. I must also commend those within LSV who have driven proactive measures to keep our community safe, including the installation of Public Rescue Equipment stations at Venus Bay, Lifesaving Education Programs and outreach initiatives to multicultural communities," Ms. Greaves said.

So far this summer, 14 people have drowned in Victorian waterways. More than half (54 per cent) occurred in coastal settings, while about a third (31 per cent) were in inland waterways. For further information contact the LSV Media team: media@lsv.com.au or 03 9676 6970.

Pictures from Life Saving Victoria Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com