Rescues and water safety
These are emergencies where people need to be rescued - most often from the surf, rips, rock platforms or waterways, but also from cliffs, bushland or other hard-to-reach places.
Victoria Police is the lead for this emergency for Surf Coast Shire.
Why are water and land rescues a risk?
Our coastline, including Bells Beach and Urquhart's Bluff, is beautiful but can be dangerous. Local drownings have happened in unpatrolled areas, or involved a bystander rescue - someone going into the water to help another person and becoming a victim themselves.
Who and what is most at risk?
- Visitors unfamiliar with local surf, rips and conditions
- Children, the elderly and inexperienced swimmers
- People trying to rescue someone else without training or a flotation aid
- People on rock platforms or cliffs in rough conditions
What you can do
Life Saving Victoria provide resources on water safety, including on beaches, rivers and creeks, and pools. You can also download the Beachsafe App, which provides information on swell, tide and patrol status to help you stay safe at the beach.
Council also provides information about pool and spa safety