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Bass Coast Council trials new multilingual coastal safety signage at high-risk beaches to reduce drowning incidents

Bass Coast Council is trialling new multilingual coastal safety signage at high-risk beaches, providing hazard warnings, QR codes, and educational resources to improve visitor safety and reduce drowning incidents.

By news@gippsland - 19th December 2025 - Back to News

Bass Coast Shire Council is welcoming a trial of new coastal safety signage at key high-risk locations, including Kilcunda Beach, Woolamai Beach and Forrest Caves. The signage, developed by Life Saving Victoria, is funded by Surf Life Saving Australia through the Australian Government’s Beach Drowning Blackspot Reduction Program, and incorporates evidence-based design, multilingual messaging and clear hazard warnings to support safer decision-making on Bass Coast beaches.

Separate from Life Saving Victoria's work, new emergency location markers have been installed at beaches across Bass Coast to replace the old "yellow hat" style

Beach safety signs

The new signs feature:

• Clear warning that "Drowning deaths have occurred here"
• Universal hazard symbol
• Key safety messages in multiple languages
• QR codes linking to online translations and further guidance

Using virtual reality, scenario testing and community feedback, the project identified which messages resonate most strongly with beach users and are most likely to influence safe behaviour.

Safety signage trial

Bass Coast Mayor, Cr Rochelle Halstead, said the new signage provides vital, accessible information for both residents and visitors. "These locations are breathtaking but unpredictable. The new signage makes the risks clear and easy to understand, helping people make safer choices before they enter the water. We welcome these upgrades and the detailed research behind them," Cr Halstead said.

Life Saving Victoria Head of Research, Evaluation and Insights Dr Bernadette Matthews said the project would play an important role in water safety: "Signage is one of many tools we have to prevent drowning and improve water safety. This trial aims to find new ways to effectively communicate the hazards people can face when visiting the beach," Dr. Matthews said.

Visitor safety training

Life Saving Victoria’s Empowering Local Visitors project, delivered with the support of local lifesaving clubs, also provided training to Phillip Island Visitor Information Centre staff and volunteers, supported by new brochures and collateral.

"These teams - many of whom are volunteers - play a crucial role," Cr Halstead said. "Visitors often arrive unfamiliar with local conditions, sometimes following something they’ve seen on social media. This training gives our staff the tools to step in, offer guidance and put safety first," he said.

The new signage is expected to be installed before Christmas and complements the broader Cross-Council Water Safety Framework, launched earlier this year, and ongoing local collaboration between Council, Life Saving Victoria, Parks Victoria, Phillip Island Nature Parks, VicPol, Ambulance Victoria and other response agencies and tourism partners.

Emergency beach markers

In addition, Council has also installed new emergency location markers at beaches across Phillip Island, San Remo, Kilcunda, Cape Paterson and Inverloch, eventually replacing the former "yellow hat" style. Part of a phased roll-out in partnership with other land managers, each marker features a unique six-character alpha-numeric identifier linked directly to Triple Zero Victoria’s Computer-Aided Dispatch system, providing emergency call takers with precise location and access information.

This summer’s campaign builds on three years of collaboration focused on improving understanding of coastal risks, encouraging safer decision-making, and ensuring residents and visitors can easily access vital safety information.

Summer safety campaign

Throughout the peak season, safety messages will appear across local media, social platforms, roadside electronic signs and Destination Phillip Island’s Visitor Guide. Messaging is available in multiple languages, with visitors encouraged to download the Surf Life Saving Australia BeachSafe app.

Safety materials are also being shared with short-stay accommodation providers to help inform guests exploring Bass Coast beaches. To learn more about our commitment to keeping our community safe in and around the water, including the Bass Coast Mornington Peninsula Cross Council Water Safety Framework, go to Bass Coast Beach Safety website.

Pictures from Bass Coast Shire Council website.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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• Latrobe City invites photographers and videographers to capture the region’s beauty in the ‘Latrobe Through Your Lens’ until 15 December 2025
  Latrobe City Council invites photographers and videographers to enter the eight-week Latrobe Through Your Lens competition, celebrating local people, places, and culture, with prizes including gift cards and getaway experiences.
• Latrobe City invites community to celebrate International Rose Garden Festival Morwell with lights, music and fun on 7-8 November 2025
  Latrobe City Council invites everyone to the free International Rose Garden Festival Morwell, 7-8 November 2025, featuring night lights, live music, workshops, market stalls, performers, and over 4,000 blooming roses.
• Have your say on the draft Roadside and Footpath Trading Policy balance road access, submit by 28 September 2025
  Baw Baw Shire Council invites feedback on its Draft Roadside and Footpath Trading Policy, aiming to balance vibrant business activity with safe pedestrian access. Consultation runs 29 August - 28 September on Baw Baw Connect.
• Baw Baw Shire to host community barbecues supporting farmers through 'Look Over the Farm Gate' grants
  Baw Baw Shire Council will host five community barbecues supporting farmers' wellbeing through Look Over the Farm Gate grants, offering connection, resources, and mental health support amid ongoing dry conditions.
• Latrobe City launches investment campaign showcasing strength, innovation, and opportunities across Gippsland
  Latrobe City Council launched an investment campaign showcasing business strength, innovation, and opportunities positioning itself as Gippsland's hub for growth, transformation, and future industries.
• Have your say on East Gippsland public toilets review until 9 February 2026
  East Gippsland Shire Council invites residents and visitors to share feedback on Council-managed public toilets, helping improve cleanliness, accessibility, and maintenance through its Public Amenities Service Review, open until February 2026.
• Latrobe City invites community input to shape the 2026/27 budget and future priorities, submit feedback by 17 November 2025
  Latrobe City Council is seeking community input to help shape the 2026/27 Budget. Share your priorities via council's Have Your Say platform by 5pm, Monday 17 November 2025.
• Berninneit Art Gallery unveils 'Kelp and the Sentient Sea' by Kim McDonald and Jasmine Susic 13 September to 26 October 2025
  Berninneit Art Gallery presents Kelp and the Sentient Sea, a collaborative exhibition by Kim McDonald and Jasmine Susic, exploring Bass Coast's marine life through printmaking, dance, film, and installation from 13 September.
• Community feedback wanted on East Gippsland Draft Engagement Policy to strengthen participation in local decision-making
  East Gippsland Shire Council is seeking community feedback on its draft Community Engagement Policy, inviting input through surveys, drop-in sessions, and stakeholder consultation to strengthen participation in decision-making processes.
• East Gippsland Shire adopts fairer Raymond Island Ferry pass system, replacing portable passes with vehicle stickers from 2026/27
  East Gippsland Shire Council will replace Raymond Island Ferry portable passes with vehicle stickers by 2026/27, introducing fairer allocations for residents and tenants, with interim free pass improvements effective immediately.
• East Gippsland Shire backs $15M Bairnsdale Airport upgrade to boost emergency response and healthcare services regionally
  East Gippsland Shire Council has backed a $15 million Bairnsdale Airport upgrade, extending the runway to boost emergency response, healthcare services, and regional aviation, supported by government funding and health agencies.
• East Gippsland opens nominations for 2026 Australia Day Awards recognising outstanding community contributions and achievements
  East Gippsland Shire Council invites nominations for the 2026 Australia Day Awards, recognising individuals, groups, and events for outstanding community contributions in volunteering, sport, arts, environment, and service.
• East Gippsland drivers urged to follow parking limits this festive season to support local businesses
  East Gippsland Shire Council reminds drivers to follow festive season parking limits, ensuring accessibility, supporting local businesses, and avoiding fines, while respecting loading zones and disabled parking bays.
• East Gippsland Shire invites community feedback on draft Open Space Strategy to protect parks, reserves and waterways
  East Gippsland Shire Council is seeking community feedback on its draft Open Space Strategy, a long-term plan to improve parks, reserves, trails, and waterways, with consultation open until 1 October 2025.
• Have your say on the 2027 transition to Pre-Prep and help shape early learning in South Gippsland
  South Gippsland Shire Council is seeking feedback from parents and carers to help shape how the Victorian government's 2027 Pre-Prep program is delivered locally to meet community needs.
• Tim Bull urges state government to fund Surf Life Saving, preventing East Gippsland ratepayers covering government shortfalls
  Gippsland East MP Tim Bull urges state government to fund Surf Life Saving Victoria, warning councils face doubled contributions while new Emergency Services levy strains East Gippsland and Wellington budgets.
• Danny O'Brien commends South Gippsland Shire for securing Nyora transport study funding, urges further state investment
  Danny O'Brien has praised South Gippsland Shire Council for securing state funding for the Nyora Transport Study, urging the Allan Labor Government to follow through with real investment and road upgrades.
• Darren Chester welcomes safer Kalimna to Lakes Entrance walking path upgrade completed before Christmas period
  Gippsland MP Darren Chester says thousands are enjoying the upgraded Kalimna-Lakes Entrance walking path, with new asphalt, safety barriers and intersection improvements completed before Christmas for locals and visitors.
• Danny O'Brien says Gippsland roads among state's most dangerous after years of neglect under Allan Labor government
  Danny O'Brien says new AusRAP data shows many Gippsland roads are unsafe after years of Labor neglect, criticising the government for lowering speed limits instead of properly fixing deteriorating roads.
• One Gippsland urges stronger climate action and investment to build regional disaster resilience
  One Gippsland is calling for urgent government action, investment and policy reform to strengthen disaster resilience, improve planning, and protect coastal communities facing increasing climate-related risks and rising economic costs.