Parks Victoria is encouraging visitors to pack their summer smarts and stay safe when cooling off in water this summer.
While Victoria’s coastlines are the perfect place to make a splash and cool down this summer, it is important to always keep safety in mind.
Ahead of a forecast heatwave over New Year, Parks Victoria rangers have teamed up with spinal cord injury support organisation AQA Vic to warn of the dangers and long-term impacts of taking risks around water.
Having developed a spinal cord injury after pier jumping as a teenager, Paralympian and AQA spokesperson Nazim Erdem OAM now educates others on water safety dangers.
Jumping and diving off piers and other structures is prohibited on Parks Victoria land for public safety. Be sure to observe all safety signage and barriers when around water. Don’t assume that water under a pier or jetty will be deep enough to jump or dive into safely – it may be shallower than you think.
Water depth under piers and jetties changes frequently and there can be unexpected sand bars. There also could be hidden debris and obstacles in the water that you can’t see or wasn’t there last time.
Across summer, Environmental Protection Authority Victoria forecasts water quality in Port Phillip Bay and Yarra River. Before you decide when and where to swim, visit EPA’s Beach Report and Yarra Watch to check water quality advice and alerts.
Paralympian Nazim Erdem OAM educates people about the importance of water safety. Credit: AQA Vic
Whether snorkelling, swimming, sailing or canoeing, make sure you are prepared:
Tips for swimming:
• Only swim in areas where swimming is permitted
• Never go into the water by yourself
• Beware of hidden underwater hazards, like strong currents and debris
• Stay within the limits of your training and experience
• Jumping off piers and jetties is dangerous and not permitted
• Beware of swimming near or under waterfalls as this can be dangerous due to strong currents, submerged hidden rock ledges and other hazards
Tips for canoeing and kayaking:
• Prepare carefully. Remember to check river levels and weather conditions with the Bureau of Meteorology ahead of time
