Summer is the perfect time to cool off at Victoria’s amazing array of beaches, rivers and lakes.
We want to make sure that the increase in drownings last summer doesn’t happen again.
We have put together a terrific selection of lower-risk locations to go for a swim across Victoria this summer – but this does not mean there is no risk at all.
Some dangers may not be obvious at the beach or an inland waterway – especially if you are new to swimming or unfamiliar with the location you have chosen to take a dip.
At the beach, there may be rips or other strong currents away from areas that are patrolled by lifeguards.
Underwater snags, currents and big differences in the temperature of the water close to the surface and just a little deeper can also be dangerous.
Remember these tips:
- Know your own capabilities in the water. When did you last go swimming? Has it been a while? Take extra care if you’re returning to the water this year, and have an emergency plan that includes knowing how to get help if you need it.
- Men over the age of 45 have the highest risk of drowning in Victoria. Never over-estimate your abilities. Never under-estimate the risks around water.
- Plan your trip before you go. Know where you are going, make sure your chosen beach or inland site is open by checking the VicEmergency app and have a back-up plan if the location is too crowded.
- Check safety signs and notices about local hazards when you arrive.
- STOP, LOOK and PLAN before swimming. Observe the conditions before entering the water. Inland waterways have hidden dangers such as submerged objects, debris and strong currents. Waves and currents at coastal beaches can be strong and deceptive, and rip currents can catch you off-guard and drag you out to sea when you least expect it. Ask locals or park rangers for advice if you’re unsure.
- Supervise children closely around water and always swim with a friend.
- Check for changed conditions, especially if it’s been a while since your last visit. Above-average rain through spring may have changed conditions in rivers and lakes. Unstable riverbank edges, dam banks and lake edges are possible.
- Understanding the effects of cold water on the body.
- Never swim alone.
- Take extra care with young kids around water – it only takes 20 seconds for them to drown.
- Drink responsibly when you are around the water or taking part in water activities. Alcohol affects your swimming ability and judgement of dangerous situations. Save drinking until after you swim.
- Water safety information for multicultural communities is available and beach safety information is also available in languages other than English.
If you’re heading to the beach, you should:
- Use the Beachsafe app and website for information on where to find patrolled beaches, local weather forecasts, information about rip currents and alternative options if your first choice is crowded.
- Look for patrolled beaches and swim between the red and yellow flags wherever possible. This means the beach is patrolled by lifeguards and they have marked the safest place to swim. Life Saving Victoria patrols run on weekends and public holidays until Sunday 18 April.
- If you’re heading to Port Phillip, check the water quality is safe with the EPA’s Beach Report. Water quality in the bay varies and can be greatly reduced after rainy periods.
Stay home and get tested if you feel unwell. Stay 1.5 metres from people outside your group, use QR codes and carry a mask for when you need to use one. For more information visit coronavirus.vic.gov.au.
Bay city beauty: Geelong’s Eastern Beach
Little more than an hour south-west of Melbourne, Geelong is nestled on the shores of Corio Bay and one of its greatest attractions is Eastern Beach along the city’s waterfront.
Eastern Beach has a large, semi-circular shark-proof swimming enclosure with a diving tower, diving boards, a platform in the centre, swimming pontoons, slides and play equipment and a shallow on-shore children’s pool.
The enclosure dates back to the 1930s and has been restored to its original glory.
Eastern Beach is about a 15-minute walk from the Geelong railway station. It’s also handy to all the attractions along Geelong’s picturesque waterfront precinct and the Geelong Botanic Gardens.
Where: Eastern Beach, Eastern Beach Road, Geelong.
Mountain magic – Lake Catani, Mount Buffalo
Part of the Mount Buffalo National Park and right beside the old Mount Buffalo Chalet, Lake Catani is a magical part of Victoria’s high country.
It’s a popular camping spot that attracts many swimmers, canoeists and kayakers.
It’s about half an hour’s drive from Myrtleford, in the state’s north-east.
There are walks that traverse forests and the open plains across the Mount Buffalo Plateau. There are incredible rock formations and lookouts with stunning views to the Ovens Valley and northern plains below. This includes one that is accessible to people of all abilities.
Where: Mount Buffalo National Park, off the Mount Buffalo Tourist Road.
Western wonder: Mountain Dam
You’ll see beautiful views of the Grampians and the Black Range at this peaceful swimming spot at Rocklands Reservoir, about 340km west of Melbourne.
Travel in via the Henty Highway between Horsham and Hamilton.
You’ll find camping facilities, toilets, a picnic area, bush scenery, plenty of walking and touring opportunities and a popular site for swimming in the still waters of the reservoir.
Where: Rocklands and Grampians State Forest Area, off the Rocklands-Cherrypool Road, Rocklands.
Central Victoria: Epic Eppalock swim
Strath Bay is a sun-drenched swimming, picnic and camping area on the north-western corner of Lake Eppalock, about 20km east of Bendigo.
While water skiing, motor-boating, sailing and the use of personal watercraft are all popular at Lake Eppalock, Strath Bay is a no-boat zone, making it a perfect place for a dip.
There are toilet facilities, and while dogs are welcome, they must be on a leash.
A visit to Strath Bay puts you within minutes of that beautifully preserved goldrush city.
Where: Strath Bay at Lake Eppalock, off Lyell Road, Kimbolton.
Melbourne’s bay beaches
Melburnians are blessed with a vast choice of patrolled bay beaches to visit over summer.
These have generally calmer conditions than surf beaches but always take care, don’t swim alone, and watch children at all times.
Check the Beachsafe app and the EPA’s Beach Report for accurate information on beach closures and water quality, have a plan B beach in mind if yours is crowded and swim between the red and yellow flags. Life Saving Victoria patrols run on weekends and public holidays until Sunday 18 April.
Where: right around Port Phillip.
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