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Life Saving Victoria launches summer patrol season with red and yellow flags on 7 November 2024

Victoria's lifesavers and lifeguards begin patrols this weekend to reduce record drownings, especially among CALD communities. Life Saving Victoria's CEO, emergency officials, and equipment demonstrations will mark the season's launch Thursday.

By news@gippsland - 30th October 2024 - Back to News

This weekend, Victoria's volunteer lifesavers and lifeguards will raise the red and yellow flags, marking the start of a critical patrol season. Last summer saw the highest number of drowning fatalities on record, including the most drownings among Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities and young males in coastal settings.

Victoria's life saving patrols begin as drowning rates reach record high, emphasising water safety awareness for all communities

Water safety urged

Over 6,000 volunteer lifesavers and lifeguards patrolled for 250,000 hours, performing 850 rescues - a 40% increase on the five-year average. This season's launch underscores the urgent need for water safety awareness, as Victoria faces a critical challenge to reduce these tragic losses.

Life Saving Victoria CEO Cath Greaves, Emergency Management Capability and Response leaders and Victorian Government Emergency Services personnel will thank volunteers and staff for their service and urge the community to stay safe in the water. Additionally critical emergency services equipment such as the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter and crews along with participants from LSV's Lifesaving Education Programs will be in attendance.

• When: 10am, THURSDAY, 7 November 2024
• Where: Life Saving Victoria State Centre, 200 The Boulevard, Port Melbourne
• Contact: LSV media - 03 9676 6970 or media@lsv.com.au

Pictures from Life Saving Victoria Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com