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Kane Treloar points out the brown sand churned up in the water washing out to sea at Thirteenth Beach, near Barwon Heads. It’s a telltale sign of a rip.
Just last weekend a 56-year-old man drowned in big waves at this section of unpatrolled beach. A helicopter winched the man from the water but lifeguards could not revive him.
Life Saving Victoria’s Kane Treloar at Thirteenth Beach where a man died earlier this month.
Credit:Justin McManus
“The water was turbulent that day. It was full of sand,” Mr Treloar says. “Then the next day another four people were pulled out here in exactly the same place.”
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Australia has experienced a spike in drowning deaths in the summer of 2020/2021 after fitness levels plunged during Covid lockdowns, a top lifesaver has warned.
At least 55 people have died as a result of drowning this summer alone, compared to just 43 at this time last year.
After he was brought ashore, critical care paramedics from Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) took the man to hospital in a serious but stable condition. Pictured: A QAS ambulance
According to Liam Krige, the general manager at Life Saving Victoria, the staggering amount of drowning deaths this season is done to dwindling fitness and a blase attitude to the dangers.
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Victoria has recorded its deadliest period on record for drownings, but many people are still ignoring safety signs at dangerous waterways.
Seven people have died in the water this year, prompting urgent pleas from authorities for swimmers and boating enthusiasts to take greater care.
Warning signs at Cape Woolamai, which is among the most treacherous beaches in Victoria.
Credit:Justin McManus
Life Saving Victoria said its studies showed only 45 per cent of people observe safety signs warning of hazardous conditions including rips, submerged rocks and dangerous sea life.
The rescue service’s principal research associate, Bernadette Matthews, said the studies showed warning signs alone were insufficient to promote water safety.
A day of dramatic water rescues has put emergency services on alert as thousands of Victorians flock to the beach to avoid the heat over Australia Day long weekend.
Australia has experienced a spike in drowning deaths in the summer of 2020/2021 after fitness levels plunged during Covid lockdowns, a top lifesaver has warned.
At least 55 people have died as a result of drowning this summer alone, compared to just 43 at this time last year.
According to Liam Krige, the general manager at Life Saving Victoria, the staggering amount of drowning deaths this season is done to dwindling fitness and a blase attitude to the dangers. The sad reality is that people think it s not going to happen to them, or that they don t need to worry about it, Mr Krige told The Age.