Life Saving Victoria calls for vigilance over New Year long weekend

Life Saving Victoria is urging Victorians to be vigilant over the New Year’s long weekend as soaring temperatures sweep the state. This follows the 2022 festive season having been marred by tragedy with four fatal drownings since Christmas Day.

With the mercury in Melbourne expected to hit 34 degrees today, and 32 on Monday, people are being urged to prioritise safety around water in a bid to prevent further tragedy.

The return of hot and humid conditions over the New Year’s long weekend is expected to see high numbers of Victorians visiting waterways, prompting an urgent safety warning.

Since the patrol season started on 12th November there have been 232 rescues at patrolled locations, and 122 of those rescues took place between 25th December and 30th December.

Sadly, there were 22 fatal drowning incidents from 1st July 2022 to 27th December. This is two fewer than the five-year average (2017-2022) for the period 1st July to 27th December.

LSV state agency commander Kane Treloar said each year LSV undertakes extensive planning in preparation for the summer patrol season, to ensure there are sufficient resources to support Victorians recreating around water, however it is important to remember that rescue is the last line of defence against drowning.

Treloar notes “Despite our best efforts and planning, we can’t be everywhere at once. At the end of the day, the onus for safety lies with the individual, and it’s up to each person to make safe decisions around water.

“This includes proactively seeking out patrolled locations aligned to your abilities. With more than 60 patrolled locations across the state, there’s bound to be one near you.

“And if you are not confident in the ocean or can’t access a patrolled beach or inland waterway, remember there are more than 500 lifeguarded pools across Victoria, providing a controlled environment to cool off in.”

Treloar also warned that even at patrolled locations, the public needs to be vigilant over the long weekend adding “LSV is reminding the public to know and stick to their limits and make safe choices in, on and around the water after research found that the likelihood of people drowning in Victorian waters increases by 68% on a public holiday.”