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Life Saving Victoria is urging Victorians to use technology to keep safe around the water this week as high numbers of beachgoers are expected to cool off in the heat, with temperatures around the coast in the high thirties.

Lifesavers are asking the public to check warnings and read up on beach water safety in the preparedness section of the VicEmergency website or app, as well as keeping across weather conditions on the Bureau of Meteorology website or app, and find beach hazard ratings and patrolled beach locations at the Beachsafe website or app.

Kane Treloar, LSV’s acting Lifesaving Operations Manager, explains “the message this season is to be prepared before a day at the beach, and that includes researching the beach you’ll be going - not all are suitable to swim at, especially for those with limited surf education or swimming ability.

“Once at the beach: stop and look for hazards and plan before rushing into the water.”

The Bureau of Meteorology predicts temperatures to reach highs of 43 degrees inland in places such as Mildura and Yarrawonga, with LSV reminding swimmers to read the Royal Life Saving Society - Australia's Respect the River resources and take in the advice to always wear a lifejacket, avoid alcohol around water, swim with a friend and learn to save a life.

Children on school holidays can learn more about water safety at the Everyday Lifesaver app, which uses gamification to make learning water safety, emergency response and CPR more engaging.

Treloar adds “technology can help to be more prepared and aware around water, but when you’re supervising children, put the phone, laptop or iPad away.

“Children under five need to be actively supervised and always within arm’s reach, with children 10 and under always in your line of sight. It only takes 20 seconds to drown, so the risk isn’t worth it.”

Multilingual beach safety resources and more general water safety advice can be found at beachsafe.org.au/surf-safety/multilingual and www.watersafety.vic.gov.au

Image courtesy of Life Saving Victoria.

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