MORE lifesavers have been rostered across Victorian beaches amid rising temperatures.
The decision to deploy more paid lifesavers came during last week’s heat wave. Life Saving Victoria chief operations officer emergency management capability and response Kirsty Robertson said “no one wants a day by the water to turn to tragedy.”
“One drowning is one too many, and we need everyone to do what they can to keep themselves and each other safe. Water safety is everyone’s responsibility,” Robertson said.
A Life Saving Victoria report released late last year found that beachgoers in Frankston face a significant drowning risk. Out of 79 Victorian municipalities, the Frankston area ranked eighth for drowning deaths. Young people aged between 15 and 24 were the most common victims, and drownings most commonly occurred equally at beaches and in private pools. To stay safe, LSV recommends that beachgoers swim at patrolled locations between the red and yellow flags, supervise children at all times, always swim with a friend, avoid alcohol before going in the water, check conditions, and check the beachsafe app or visit beachsafe.org.au to find a safe swimming location.
First published in the Frankston Times – 13 January 2026