Tourism Victoria removes social media post describing unpatrolled Mornington Peninsula beach as a ‘pristine swimming spot’

Number 16 beach, on the Bass Strait side of Rye, is described on the Visit Victoria website as “recommended for experienced surfers only” as it is not patrolled by lifesavers. It has a reputation among local residents as dangerous.

However, a post on the Instagram page of Visit Melbourne (a Tourism Victoria sub domain) on Friday - at the start of a weekend heatwave - described the location as a “pristine swimming spot”.

As reported by Guardian Australia, the wording was later changed to “pristine beach” before the post being completely removed.

Drew Cooper, a member of the Mornington Peninsula Back Beaches Collective, said the surf beach’s rock pool was popular among photographers, telling Guardian Australia “when the sun goes down, photographers flock down to the reef and wait for the perfect shot.

“It’s become a big thing on social media - people encouraging everyone to go down there.”

Cooper said the beach lacked signage warning of its dangers, which include freak waves, and the absence of rescue equipment, adding that some residents had resorted to creating signs to distribute to dangerous beaches along the Peninsula.

When contacted by Guardian Australia, a spokesperson for Visit Victoria said its priority was community safety, advising “following community concern about a post about Number 16 Beach, we made the decision to remove it.”

Almost 150 rescues were performed on Victoria’s beaches yesterday.

Kane Treloar, the State Agency Commander at Life Saving Victoria, said 145 rescues had been performed and 60 medical incidents had been reported on Saturday.

Treloar told reporters on Sunday “we don’t remember a day when we’ve been that busy and that many Victorians have needed our help.”

Treloar said lifesavers had conducted two mass rescues at Portsea, on the Mornington Peninsula, and at Jan Juc in Torquay. Lifesavers pulled nine and 10 people, respectively, out of rip currents.

Treloar said swimmers were increasingly seeking out remote locations. He urged them to stick to patrolled beaches.

Visit Melbourne’s website describes the “spectacular rock formations” at Number 16 beach, including “Dragon Head Rock”, warning visitors to be wary of tides and dangerous surf conditions.

It advises “the sandy beach is a picturesque spot for a stroll or to sit and watch the sunset.

“The beach is not patrolled and is recommended for experienced surfers only.”