Victoria’s lifesavers are back on the sand as warmer weather draws more people to the coast, with the state urging beachgoers to refresh their water safety habits ahead of what is expected to be another busy summer.
Emergency Services Minister Vicki Ward joined Life Saving Victoria at the Williamstown Life Saving Club to mark the official start of the patrol season and to highlight the simple steps that can prevent a fun day at the beach from turning dangerous.
More than 45,000 lifesavers and lifeguards will patrol Victorian beaches between 15 November and 19 April, supporting the millions of people who head to the coast each year. Last summer was a demanding one for teams on the ground. According to Life Saving Victoria, crews carried out more than 1,000 rescues and responded to nearly 1,600 major first aid incidents. They also undertook hundreds of thousands of preventative actions, stopping risky situations before they escalated.
Despite this work, 52 people drowned across Victorian waterways during the 2024 to 2025 season. Authorities say the tragedy underlines why water safety remains a shared responsibility.
The core message for swimmers remains unchanged. Stay between the flags, avoid going into the water alone, steer clear of swimming after drinking alcohol, and take a moment to assess conditions before entering the surf. For anyone boating or fishing, wearing a lifejacket is strongly encouraged and is often the key factor in surviving an unexpected incident.
To bolster safety efforts, the state has invested more than 9 million dollars in public water safety programs, including paid lifeguard services, watercraft for rescues, helicopter and drone surveillance and public awareness campaigns. This follows an earlier 12 million dollars allocated to extend patrol seasons and maintain or upgrade lifesaving facilities across Victoria.
Local MP Melissa Horne said the community benefits greatly from having beaches within easy reach, and that lifesavers play a vital role in helping people enjoy them with confidence.
Authorities expect strong attendance at beaches again this summer and are asking Victorians to make choices that help reduce harm.
More information on safe swimming and patrolled locations is available at beachsafe.org.au.
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