Community

15 November, 2024

Lifesavers season begins

LAST weekend saw the launch of Victoria’s volunteer lifesavers and lifeguards summer season.

By Staff Writer

The familiar red and yellow flags were raised last weekend, marking the start of a critical patrol season.

Last summer saw the highest number of drowning fatalities on record, including the most drownings among culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities and young males in coastal settings.

Over 6,000 volunteer lifesavers and lifeguards patrolled for 250,000 hours, performing 850 rescues – a 40 per cent increase on the five-year average.

This season’s launch underscores the urgent need for water safety awareness, as Victoria faces a critical challenge to reduce these tragic losses.

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