As Victorians prepare for a long weekend by rivers, beaches, lakes and rocky coastlines, emergency services are sounding a familiar but increasingly urgent warning: slow down, stay alert and don’t take the water for granted. The message comes amid sobering new figures and a run of incidents that have left families and first responders grappling with preventable loss.
Life Saving Victoria reports that 52 people drowned in Victorian waterways during the 2024–25 period, marking a nine per cent rise compared with the decade average. Another 123 people experienced non-fatal drowning incidents, many of them requiring emergency medical treatment and long-term recovery. Behind each statistic is a moment that escalated quickly, often on days that began with little sense of danger.
Ambulance Victoria Acting Executive Director of Regional Operations Michael Georgiou says paramedics regularly arrive at scenes that were meant to be carefree outings. He describes how rapidly conditions can turn, even for people who believe they are capable swimmers or familiar with a particular stretch of water. According to Mr Georgiou, confidence can be misleading when currents shift, visibility drops or weather changes without warning.
He stresses that drowning does not discriminate. Strong swimmers, locals and visitors alike can find themselves in trouble, sometimes within minutes. Different sections of the same river or coastline can behave unpredictably, creating hazards that are not obvious from the shore. Emergency crews see the consequences of these misjudgements firsthand, often in environments that complicate rescue efforts.
Ambulance Victoria works closely with other agencies to respond when things go wrong, but Mr Georgiou is clear that prevention begins well before a siren sounds. Personal responsibility, he says, plays a decisive role in reducing risk. That responsibility extends beyond individual choices to looking out for others, particularly children and less confident swimmers.
Children remain among the most vulnerable around water, and the advice from paramedics remains consistent. Those under five should be kept within arm’s reach at all times, while children aged between five and ten should never be out of sight. Distractions are a common factor in incidents involving young people, especially in busy or social settings where attention is divided.
Alcohol is another recurring concern. While often associated with relaxation and socialising, it can significantly impair judgement, balance and reaction time. Emergency services continue to recommend avoiding alcohol until after water-based activities have finished, a step that can make the difference between spotting danger early and reacting too late.
Lifejackets also feature prominently in safety advice, whether for boating, fishing or certain water sports. Wearing a correctly fitted lifejacket can provide critical seconds or minutes if someone falls into the water unexpectedly. Despite this, compliance remains inconsistent, particularly in informal settings or close to shore, where people may underestimate the risk.
Life Saving Victoria Chief Operations Officer for Emergency Management Capability and Response Kirsty Robertson says the growing toll has sharpened the focus on shared responsibility. One fatality, she notes, is already one too many. From her perspective, water safety is not confined to lifeguards or emergency responders but relies on everyday decisions made by individuals, families and groups.
The long weekend presents added challenges, with higher visitor numbers at popular spots and a mix of experienced and inexperienced water users. Warm weather, holiday moods and social gatherings can all contribute to lapses in caution. Ms Robertson emphasises that staying safe often comes down to simple actions repeated consistently, rather than dramatic interventions.
Recent months have also seen a worrying pattern of serious injuries near cliffs and rocky coastal areas. Ambulance Victoria has responded to multiple incidents involving falls or jumps from cliffs, frequently in remote or difficult terrain. These rescues can take hours, requiring coordination between ambulance crews, police, rescue teams and sometimes air support.
Mr Georgiou says such incidents place significant strain on emergency services and carry high risks for everyone involved. Cliffs and rock platforms can appear inviting, particularly during calm conditions, but surfaces can be unstable and waves unpredictable. Leaving designated paths or getting too close to edges can have devastating consequences, especially when access for rescuers is limited.
The aftermath of these incidents often extends beyond the immediate response. Injured patients may face lengthy recoveries, while families and witnesses can experience lasting trauma. Emergency personnel, accustomed to difficult situations, are nonetheless affected by scenes that could have been avoided through better awareness and restraint.
Preparation is another theme repeated by emergency services. Knowing how to call for help in remote areas, carrying a charged mobile phone and understanding local conditions can all improve outcomes if something goes wrong. Learning CPR is also highlighted as a practical skill that empowers bystanders to act while waiting for professional help to arrive.
If someone appears to be in trouble in the water, the advice is clear and direct: call Triple Zero (000). Attempting a rescue without proper equipment or training can place additional lives at risk. Emergency operators can provide guidance while help is on the way, making that first call a critical step.
Authorities continue to encourage the public to read and follow signage around waterways. Warning signs are placed based on known hazards and can vary significantly from one location to another. Even within the same river or lake, conditions may change due to depth, flow or underwater obstacles.
Swimming ability is another factor that deserves honest assessment. Learning how to swim and understanding personal limits can reduce risk, particularly in unfamiliar environments. Swimming alone is strongly discouraged, as having others nearby increases the chance that help will be noticed and summoned quickly.
Remaining alert around water applies whether or not people intend to enter it. Slippery edges, sudden drop-offs and unexpected waves can catch bystanders off guard. Active supervision, especially in group settings, helps ensure that potential dangers are identified early rather than after an incident occurs.
Technology also plays a role in modern water safety. The Beachsafe app and the Beachsafe website provide up-to-date information on patrolled beaches, weather conditions, currents and safety advice, with content available in multiple languages. These tools allow people to make informed decisions before arriving at the water’s edge.
For inland waterways, the Royal Life Saving Society Australia offers multilingual resources tailored to rivers, lakes and dams. These materials address risks that differ from coastal environments, such as submerged objects, cold water shock and fluctuating water levels.
Checking weather conditions before heading out remains a simple yet often overlooked step. Apps such as VicEmergency and the Bureau of Meteorology provide real-time updates that can influence plans. Sudden changes in wind, temperature or rainfall can alter water behaviour quickly, turning manageable conditions into dangerous ones.
Emergency services repeat a consistent principle: if in doubt, do not go out. Choosing to postpone or change plans can feel disappointing in the moment, especially during a long weekend, but it is a decision that prioritises safety over impulse.
As communities across Victoria gather to enjoy time off, the message from Ambulance Victoria and Life Saving Victoria is grounded in experience rather than alarm. Water offers recreation, relaxation and connection, yet it demands respect. Staying vigilant, looking out for one another and making cautious choices can help ensure that long weekends end with memories rather than mourning.
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