Troubling Christmas period for water rescues

THE weather hit full force over the Christmas long weekend and with record temperatures, so too several people found themselves in trouble. Reports from around the coast: 

Venus Bay Surf Life Saving Club

Venus Bay SLSC members were involved in two notable incidents during the Christmas and pre-Christmas period.

December 15 – Two surf-ski paddlers got into difficulty at the mouth of Andersons Inlet. The pair were separated from their surf skis which resulted in one male swimming to shore at Inverloch whilst his friend swam to shore at Point Smythe.

The alarm was raised at around 9pm and the combined efforts of VicPol, Ambulance Victoria, local CFA, Inverloch SLSC and Venus Bay SLSC members resulted in the safe retrieval of both paddlers who were assessed by the local CERT team and AV.

December 23 – Members of VBSLSC assisted CERT and AV crews to retrieve two swimmers that had suffered suspected water inhalation and exposure to cold, after getting into difficulties in the surf at No.1 Beach at approximately 6.30pm.

Although the swimmers had managed to return to shore, they were transported to hospital for observations to rule out any respiratory injuries from aspirating sea water.

Subsequently, patrolled Beach (No.1) at Venus Bay has seen surf life savers as well as lifeguards perform 601 preventative actions (i.e. directing swimmers back between the flags, advising of local rips and hazards) along with assisting with four minor first aid incidents. With the long awaited and welcome return to summer conditions, 4595 people have attended the patrolled beach at Venus

Bay during the period December 23-28.

Three members of the public, including a child, were hospitalised over the New Year’s period for water related incidences.

Members of the public are reminded to:

• Swim between the red and yellow flags

• Read the safety signs

• Ask a lifeguard for safety advice

• Swim with a friend; and

• If you need help, stay calm and attract attention

Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club

Woolamai Beach SLSC is urging beachgoers to be vigilant and remember to swim between the flags at patrolled locations during patrolled times.

The warning comes as Woolamai Beach counts multiple minor rescues this season, particularly at Smiths Beach.

“Our patrols started November 26 and have been in full force seven days a week since Christmas Day,” Woolamai Beach SLSC Lifesaving Services Director, Campbell Smart said.

“A larger population are visiting Smiths Beach because it is a safer, more family orientated beach, and fortunately most rescues are close to the flags.

“Due to COVID we are seeing more inexperienced swimmers. We are hyper vigilant of identifying people heading into the water outside the flagged areas, often into dangerous locations, and directing them to safer swimming locations where we are, so if something does happen, we can access them quickly.”

On December 27, Woolamai Beach alongside other emergency services responded to a male in distress at Cape Woolamai, near ANZAC’s just after 8pm. Fortunately a nearby surfer responded and pulled the rattled beachgoer to shore before services arrived.

“We are also running extended hours during warmer days, and the 27th was one of them whereby we had patrols operating until 7pm.

“Our message is straightforward – stay safe around water and swim between the flags during patrolled hours.

“With the warmer weather also arriving people need to stay on top of how they feel, ensure they drink plenty of water and do not consume alcohol.”

For patrolled beaches, times and days (updated as applicable) for Phillip Island visit @woolamaibeachslsc on Facebook.