With drowning rates on the rise, councils across the Mornington Peninsula, Bass Coast, Casey, Cardinia, and Greater Dandenong are stepping up to keep locals and visitors safe in the water.
A New Approach to Water Safety
Launched at Portsea Surf Life Saving Club, the new Water Safety Framework is a joint effort with Life Saving Victoria and local partners. The goal? Prevent drownings by raising awareness and encouraging safer choices at beaches, rivers, and other waterways.
The Mornington Peninsula: A High-Risk Area
The Peninsula has seen 54 drownings in the past decade, with four recent tragedies highlighting the need for urgent action. Recognised as a drowning blackspot, the region is now at the centre of a push to improve water safety.
Beachsafe App: A Simple Way to Stay Safe
One of the key messages from councils is the importance of checking conditions before swimming. The Beachsafe app, created by Surf Life Saving Australia, provides up-to-date information on beach conditions, tides, and hazards. It’s a quick and easy way to stay informed and make safer choices before heading into the water.
The app is free and available for download on the App Store and Google Play.
What You Can Do
Local councils are urging everyone to:
- Download the Beachsafe app and check conditions before swimming.
- Swim between the red and yellow flags at patrolled beaches.
- Know your limits and be aware of the risks in different waterways.
Working Together for Safer Beaches
This new initiative is about keeping people safe and preventing tragedies before they happen. By taking small steps—like using the Beachsafe app and choosing patrolled beaches—everyone can help make our waterways safer.
For more details on the Water Safety Framework, visit the Mornington Peninsula Shire’s website.
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