THERE are two points that should be made following the death by drowning of two people at Bass Coast beaches last Friday.
But first, our condolences to the families and friends who had to leave the beaches at Kilcunda and Surf Beach last week and go home without their loved ones. And our gratitude to the people who helped with the search at Kilcunda, including the surfers, and those who provided CPR until emergency services arrived at Surf Beach.
Three of the top 10 countries providing migration to Australia today are in South Asia; including India, Pakistan and Nepal, and it is noticeable, especially at Phillip Island, that more and more people of South Asian heritage are visiting Bass Coast beaches, the penguin parade and other popular locations. Same to a lesser degree along the South Gippsland coast.
In the case of the tragedy at Kilcunda, the deceased was of Indian origin and for whatever reason, many new arrivals from these countries either don’t know how to swim, are unfamiliar with the dangers that exist at surf beaches, or both.
So, with the increased visitation by people from South Asia, there’s an even more pressing need for education and adequate warnings.
The warning signs presently placed at Kilcunda beach, for example, are woefully inadequate for the dangers that exist there and instead of the weak statement “Swimming not advised”, the message should scream loud and clear “High drowning risk: Too dangerous, do not swim at this beach”. A map pointing the way to our patrolled beaches should be included.
The other point that needs to be made, relates to protecting our own residents.
For their proximity to the coast, both the Wonthaggi district and Phillip Island are woefully provided for when it comes to learn-to-swim facilities. The community clearly stated that an aquatic/sports centre had priority over the need for an arts centre on Phillip Island, but the council ignored the community on that.
We now have a $31.3 million arts facility that has been the only venue in Cowes not to attract a crowd this summer.
Wonthaggi’s old swimming pool is frankly a disgrace for the district’s growing population.
In the case of Phillip Island Primary School, they have the benefit of their own pool and kids can learn to swim there, before progressing to Nippers at Woolamai SLSC where they can be properly acquainted with the conditions and risks that exist at our surf beaches. That’s the ideal situation.
The rest of the kids in the Bass Coast community, with the possible exception of Wonthaggi Primary which has a small pool – not so much!
The provision of adequate swimming facilities isn’t just desirable for health, well-being and sporting pursuits; in a location like ours, where we are surrounded by beaches, some of them the most dangerous surf beaches in Victoria – they’re an absolute lifesaver.
