A staggering 113 rescues in just 48 hours have marked a dramatic and concerning start to the official beach patrol season across Victoria, prompting lifesaving authorities to issue an urgent plea to swimmers.
Surge in Incidents as Patrol Season Begins
The spike in rescues occurred over the weekend of November 23-24, coinciding with the commencement of patrols by Life Saving Victoria (LSV). The warm weather drew large crowds to the coast, but many found themselves in trouble in the water. LSV's state operations manager, Liam Krige, confirmed the 113 rescues were a significant number for such a short period.
While the incidents were spread across the state's coastline, the Surf Coast and the Bellarine Peninsula were notable hotspots. Lifesavers were kept exceptionally busy responding to swimmers caught in rip currents, struggling with fatigue, or simply underestimating the conditions.
Authorities Stress Simple Safety Rules
In response to the alarming figures, lifesavers are reinforcing their core safety message. The primary advice is for all beachgoers to swim only at patrolled locations and between the red and yellow flags. These flags are placed by trained lifesavers who have assessed the conditions and identified the safest area to swim.
Krige emphasised that swimming outside of these zones or at unpatrolled beaches drastically increases the risk. "If we're not there, you're taking a real chance with your safety," he stated. Other critical safety tips include:
- Always supervise children in and around the water.
- Read the safety signs at the entrance to the beach.
- Check the weather and surf conditions before you go.
- If caught in a rip, stay calm, float, and raise an arm for help. Do not try to swim against the current.
A Call for Vigilance as Summer Approaches
This early-season surge serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable and powerful nature of the Australian coastline. With the summer holidays fast approaching, authorities are urging the public to make water safety a top priority. The 113 rescues are not just a statistic; they represent 113 potential tragedies that were averted by the swift action of volunteer and professional lifesavers.
The message from Life Saving Victoria is clear: respect the water, respect the flags, and ensure a fun day at the beach doesn't turn into an emergency. The organisation is committed to reducing preventable coastal drownings and relies on the public to make smart decisions to keep themselves and their families safe.
