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Wednesday 12 January 2022
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Troubled waters
Swimmers have had to be saved from the water at the mouth of Patterson River on multiple occasions this summer. Picture: Gary Sissons
Swimming safety urged after dangerous summer Brodie Cowburn brodie@baysidenews.com.au LIFESAVERS are pleading with people to avoid swimming near Patterson River after a number of dangerous incidents this summer.
Dozens of local swimmers have had to be saved from the water over the summer period. On one particularly bad day on Sunday 2 January, fourteen people had to be rescued from the mouth of Patterson River. Two people were taken to hospital. Carrum Surf Life Saving Club has urged people not to swim near Patter-
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son River, saying it is ânever safeâ. Carrum SCLCâs Sunday patrol captain, Cath Paulsen, said âthere is a steep drop-off due to the river channel and when you combine that with strong currents due to winds and tides, itâs the perfect scenario for people to get into difficulty. While we regularly monitor this area and
frequently perform rescues here, weâve never had so many in one day. Itâs never safe to swim near the river.â Carrum SLSC president Ben Rooks echoed the need to avoid swimming near Patterson River. âOn New Yearâs Eve 1998 we tragically had a child drown here, in circumstances
very similar to those described to me [on Sunday],â he said. âItâs only due to some quick reactions and a large dose of luck that weâve not had a tragedy here today. Itâs never safe to swim near Patterson River.â Continued page 5
through the home of our wildlife. A safe drive saves our wildlife. wildlifevictoria.org.au