Take steps to be safe around water this long weekend

March 7, 2024 | in News

Paramedics, First Responders and lifesavers are reminding Victorians to be cautious around water over the Labour Day long weekend, after a summer marred by several fatal drownings across the state. 

Everyone is at risk of drowning, but high-risk groups include males, culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) people, and children.

Ambulance Victoria (AV) paramedic Jasmina Pedic lost her father, Rasim, in a rock fishing accident at The Punchbowl, near Phillip Island, in May 2006. 

She was born in Bosnia and also spent time living in Germany before her family migrated to Australia in the late 1990s. 

Life Saving Victoria’s (LSV) 2022/23 Victorian Drowning Report found over half of all fishing related deaths were of people born overseas. 

Ms Pedic is urging CALD Victorians and visitors to take precautions to keep safe around beaches and waterways, regardless of their level of experience. 

“My dad grew up fishing in Bosnia and went regularly ever since we arrived in Australia, so he was really experienced,” Ms Pedic said. 

“But there are still dangers because of how unpredictable the conditions can be with the swells and high tides. 

“Even if you think you’re the most experienced, you still need to look at the tides and the times and wear a life jacket around the water.”

Ms Pedic said her family’s lives were turned upside down by the tragedy. 

“The pain of losing him was overwhelming,” she said. 

“A drowning is a complete shock to everybody and it’s really hard to come to terms with.” 

LSV Strategic Advisor Diversity and Inclusion Community Outreach David Holland said there are avenues for CALD Victorians to find information before spending time around a waterway. 

“Our beaches and inland waterways are incredibly beautiful, but it can be deceiving to enter a calm waterway thinking you are safe,” he said. 

“Water currents can quickly change, so getting advice before you visit our waterways over the long weekend is essential. 

“If you’re heading to the beach, swim between the flags and ask lifesavers for advice about water conditions.  

“They are there to help.” 

Mr Holland also urged CALD community members to make use of water safety resources that offer information in different languages. 

“The Beachsafe app and website beachsafe.org.au has the most up-to-date information about patrolled beaches, weather conditions and currents,” he said. 

“It also allows you to gain valuable water safety information and safety videos in several languages.  

“For inland waterways such as lakes and rivers, Royal Life Saving Society Australia provides a range of water safety resources, also available in various languages.” 

AV Director Emergency Management Justin Dunlop said there are a number of tips all Victorians can follow to play it safe around the water this long weekend. 

“Read the signs around a waterway and speak to locals to familiarise yourself with the risks, which differ at each body of water and even at different sections of the same waterway,” he said.  

“Learn how to swim and know your limits, never swim alone and let people know where you’re going. 

“Whether in a boat, taking part in water sports or swimming, people should wear a correctly fitted lifejacket.” 

He said it is crucial people know how to get help in case something goes wrong. 

“If you see someone in trouble in the water, alert lifesavers or call Triple Zero (000) immediately,” he said. 

“If you’re in a remote location, you can also use the Emergency Plus app, which uses smart phones’ in-built GPS functionality to help a Triple Zero (000) caller provide location details. 

“Open the app and you’ll be able to tell the call taker your location coordinates, as well as three words which can be used to pinpoint your exact location.” 

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