Be beach-safe these holidays

The Mornington Peninsula is home to some of Victoria’s most stunning coastline, and beach days are what summer holidays are all about. While the waterways here are a great place to relax and unwind, Sas McNamara – Portsea Surf Life Saving Club’s director of lifesaving and Life Saving Victoria’s chief lifeguard for the Peninsula – wants beachgoers to remember it’s imperative to do so safely.

“Life Saving Victoria is anticipating more visitors than ever flocking to our coastal locations due to many inland waterways being interrupted by recent flooding,” says Sas, pictured. “The easiest decision you can make for the safety of yourself and your loved ones is to swim between the red and yellow flags at a patrolled location wherever possible, and with 10 patrolled locations and clubs servicing the area, there’s bound to be one near you.”

There were 31 reported drownings across the state last summer, which was five more than the five-year average and 10 more than the 10-year average. “Even one drowning is too many and we want to reverse this trend this year, but we need your help to do so,” Sas says. “In addition to swimming between the flags, remember to always go with a friend, and actively supervise children around water – which means under-5s within arm’s reach and under-10s in your constant and direct eyeline. Know and stick to your limits, and remember that alcohol and drugs do not mix with water.”

Patrolled locations on the Peninsula are:

Seaford Life Saving Club, 10N Nepean Highway, Seaford

Frankston Life Saving Club, 1 Long Island Drive, Frankston Beach

Mornington Life Saving Club, 1a Mills Beach, Esplanade, Mornington

Mt Martha Life Saving Club, Esplanade, Mount Martha

Dromana Bay Life Saving Club, 250 Point Nepean Rd, Dromana

Point Leo Surf Life Saving Club, 55 Western Pde, Point Leo Rosebud & McCrae Life Saving Club, Point Nepean Rd, McCrae

Sorrento Surf Life Saving Club, 250 Ocean Beach Rd, Sorrento

Portsea Surf Life Saving Club, Back Beach Rd, Portsea

Gunnamatta Surf Life Saving Club, 1000 Truemans Rd, Rye

Head to beachsafe.org to find a patrolled beach and patrol times near you.