Tis the season to be safe

Summer is the perfect time to visit our beautiful beaches along the surf coast and enjoy the glorious sunshine.

To ensure everyone has a great time this holiday season, read our top tips for keeping you and your family safe.

Water safety

Swim between the flags

Swimming between the flags is one of the easiest ways to stay safe this summer. Volunteer and paid lifeguards are patrolling Victorian beaches all summer to help protect beachgoers. The ocean is unpredictable which is why you always need someone looking out for you.

If you have young children, please remember that you must be within an arm’s reach of your child at all times and give them your full attention to ensure their safety.

You can view a full list of patrolled beaches and key dates in Victoria on Life Saving Victoria’s website. http://www.lifesavingvictoria.com.au/www/html/1402-patrolled-beaches.asp

If you are swimming in an unpatrolled beach, make sure you read and obey the safety signs and check that it is okay to swim before you enter the water as conditions can change regularly. It is vital that you know how to swim well and always recommended to have someone to look out for you whilst you are in the water.

More safety by the water information can be found on Life Saving Victoria’s website.

Wear a lifejacket

The Victorian boating regulations require Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) to be carried on a boat for all persons.

All occupants must wear a PFD if they are:

in a powerboat up to and including 4.8 metres in length
off-the-beach sailing yachts
in a personal watercraft
using canoes, kayaks, rowing boats and rafts
using a pedal boats, fun boats and stand up paddle boards
kite boarding and sail boarding
a recreational tenders
a child under the age of 10

For more information about the Victorian regulations click here.

Take caution around cliffs

Many areas along the coast are subject to seasonal coastline erosion, especially Jan Juc and Anglesea regions causing unstable cliffs. To keep your family safe, please read and obey the advisory signs and take care when near cliffs. It is recommended to stay on designated walking tracks to avoid areas of cliff instability.

What can I do?

Avoid walking near cliff edges, or at the base of cliffs especially after wet weather and high tides
Keep to the walking tracks
Do not climb on cliffs as this can cause localised damage and increase the rate of erosion
Avoid damaging the vegetation as this promotes water infiltration and reduces erosive runoff
Obey all signs and stay behind safety fences
If you see evidence of a recent cliff collapse, take a photo and report it to your local land manager

For more information about unstable cliffs visit the Department of Environment and Primary Industries website click here.

Time check the tides

There are several spots between Point Addis and Anglesea River that can become impassable at high tide. It is important to check the current tide times and be aware of tidal changes to avoid being caught. Always read the warning signs and familiarise yourself with the area before walking along the coastline. If you are unsure about an area ask a local or seek further information.

For information about local coastal walks and their accessibility click here.

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