Holiday tragedies on Victorian waters prompt urgent safety warning during heatwave

Life Saving Victoria has advised that following a number of tragic incidents on Victorian waters since Christmas Day, urgent safety warnings are being issued during the heatwave.

The 2022 festive season has ended in tragedy with three fatal drownings, a further three significant incidents, and 48 rescues by lifesavers occurring in Victorian waters since Christmas Day.

With the mercury expected to hit 37 degrees on Tuesday 27th December, people are being urged to prioritise safety around water in a bid to prevent further tragedy.

On Christmas Day, a 19-year-old man fatally drowned at Cumberland River west of Lorne and his two companions were hospitalised after getting into strife in the surf while bodysurfing.

Ambulance Victoria was called to a property in Wartina South southeast of Melbourne just after 5pm on Christmas Day, transferring a primary school aged girl who had been pulled from the water to Monash Medical Centre in a serious condition.

The devastation continued on Boxing Day, when a 17-year-old man was pulled unconscious and unresponsive from the water at Mordialloc after extensive search efforts by Life Saving Victoria (LSV) and Victoria Police’s PolAir wing. He was later confirmed deceased.

A man in his thirties passed away in hospital after he was pulled unresponsive from the water at Kookaburra Point in Ebden on the afternoon of Boxing Day.

Ambulance Victoria was called to another water-related incident at Ocean Grove on Boxing Day, after lifesavers rescued a 19-year-old and an infant, who were both transported to hospital.

Additionally, between Christmas Eve and Boxing Day, Victorian lifesavers and lifeguards performed 48 rescues across the state.

Bureau of Meteorology senior meteorologist Christie Johnson said that Victoria is currently experiencing a heatwave and noted "A heatwave occurs when the maximum and the minimum temperatures are unusually hot over a three-day period at a location.

"Temperatures are expected to be in the mid to high thirties today across Melbourne and only drop into the mid-twenties overnight. We will see a cool change come through tomorrow with temperatures set to be in the low twenties by Thursday.

"The cool change will be short-lived, though, with conditions becoming warm and humid by the weekend. Temperatures will reach the low 30s again in Melbourne on Sunday."

Victoria Police superintendent Wayne Newman said this spate of water-related incidents triggers an urgent safety warning for anyone planning to visit Victorian waterways during the current heatwave event.

“This Christmas has become a devastating affair for the loved ones affected by these incidents, and I extend my sincere condolences to these families, whose lives have been changed forever,” Newman said.

“Any drowning is one too many, especially during the festive season, which is meant to be a time for celebration, not mourning.

“Of the 48 rescues performed by lifesavers and lifeguards, only eight were within the red and yellow flags, which reinforces that between the flags remains the safest place to swim.”

Treloar said it is essential to know and stick to your limits and be mindful of how the weather conditions may impact your swimming abilities and added “For those planning to cool off by Victorian waterways during this heatwave event, I urge you to head to a patrolled location and swim between the red and yellow flags. With over 60 across the state, one of them is bound to be near you.

“It is also important to be heat smart, limiting activity during the hottest part of the day and if you must go out, wear a hat and sunscreen and take a bottle of water with you.

“If you do plan on swimming or recreating in, on or around the water to beat the heat, in addition to swimming between the flags, always go with a friend, actively supervise children - which means under fives in arm’s reach and under tens in your constant and direct eyeline; and remember, alcohol and water-based activities do not mix.”

For information about Victorian patrol locations and times, visit beachsafe.org.au or download the Beachsafe app.