LIFESAVERS are urging beachgoers to be careful around waterways after a tragic quadruple drowning at Phillip Island.
Last Wednesday, 24 January, four people drowned in the water off Phillip Island. Their deaths brought the state’s summer drowning toll to 19 people.
Residents in beachside municipalities face an increased risk of drowning. Between 2013/2014 and 2022/2023, more people died from drowning in the Mornington Peninsula local government area than any other. Frankston ranked 8th out of 79 LGAs, Bayside ranked 7th, and Kingston was 12th.
In the Kingston municipality, older swimmers are most commonly the victims of drowning. More swimmers aged 65 and above died than any other age category in Kingston.
In the wake of last week’s deaths, Life Saving Victoria has issued a public appeal for more caution around waterways this summer. LSV lifesaving services general manager Liam Krige said the Phillip Island incident was “another tragic reminder that anyone can drown.”
“We want to remind the community the importance of being aware of the conditions and swimming between the flags to avoid a tragic outcome,” Krige said. “Opt for patrolled locations and swim between the flags. With 65-plus patrolled locations across the state, including patrolled waterways, the red and yellow flags will not be far away.
“Additionally, assessing conditions before entering the water, actively supervising children, wearing life jackets when boating or fishing, and postponing alcohol consumption until after water-related activities are completed are essential practices that can significantly reduce the risk of drowning.”
Nationally, at least 67 people have now drowned across Australia this summer – a 17 percent increase on last year’s figure. Royal Life Saving CEO Justin Scarr said that men are the most common drowning victims, and should exercise extra caution. “We are asking men to make the right call and look after their mates to keep each other safe around water, especially when swimming, boating, and fishing this holiday long weekend,” he said.
For more information on patrolled beaches visit beachsafe.org.au.
First published in the Chelsea Mordialloc News – 31 January 2024