KINGSTON lifesavers and lifeguards rescued 37 people from drowning during this year’s summer season.
Life Saving Victoria figures revealed lifesavers and lifeguards in the area also took “preventative actions” 1273 times to pre-empt potentially deadly situations for Kingston beachgoers.
First aid help was needed on 145 occasions.
LSV general manager of lifesaving club development Andrew Foran said a proactive approach to lifesaving across Victoria had led to a significant fall in rescues from 790 last year compared to 513 this year.
More than 2.9 million people visited Victoria’s beaches this summer.
“With even more people visiting our patrolled beaches this summer, our lifesavers and lifeguards have made every effort ensure beachgoers safety,” Mr Foran said.
“During the heatwave experienced in January, a number of clubs put on additional patrols on weekdays and evenings, going above and beyond their usual patrols to meet the needs of beachgoers.”
Carrum Life Saving Club vice-president Ben Rooks said lifesavers had carried out three rescues in the area and had taken preventative action in 186 cases.
“We’ve gone out to the mouth of the Patterson River when we’ve known the wind is changing direction and people may get into strife to direct swimmers away from danger,” he said.
Mr Rooks said the month of January was their “busiest time” and, like most Kingston area life saving clubs, lifesavers had put in voluntary evening shifts to ensure night-time swimmers escaping the heat wave were safe.
“Our club house was rebuilt late last year and we have 23 active members at the moment so we’re definitely looking for more volunteers,” Mr Rooks said.
Beach patrols have now finished for the season, but LSV’s Andrew Foran stressed it is even more important for people visiting the beach to be aware of ever present risks and take responsibility for their own safety.
“Drowning deaths occur all year round, not just in summer. In Victoria, more than half of last year’s drowning deaths happened outside of summer,” he said.
Visit beachsafe.org.au for further safety information.
Call Carrum Life Saving Club on 9776 0504 or check out their Facebook page for volunteering information.
Lifesaving patrols will begin again in November.
