TEENAGE jetty jumpers at the new Inverloch jetty have local residents seeing red.
“It is difficult to pull up boats to the jetty because of swimmers,” said one fisherman.
“The signs say no jumping from the jetty.”
“There is also no lifesaving ring at either the new Inverloch jetty or Maher’s Landing,” the fisherman noted.
Finished on-budget, and on-time the new jetty ticks all the boxes according to another local resident but few can use the new facility because of the danger posed by jumpers.
“The contractors did a fantastic job, but you can’t use it,” said the resident who is keen to see a new boat ramp as well at Inverloch.
Avoiding many of the criticisms of the Maher’s Landing boat ramp the Inverloch jetty is at least twice the width of the Maher’s Landing jetty but Maher’s Landing has another problem according to boat users.
“People with small boats can’t use the big boat ramp at Maher’s Landing because they have trouble backing.
“They would prefer to get their feet wet than to tackle the big ramp.”
“Both ramps at both Inverloch and Maher’s Landing need regular pressure cleaning,” said the fisherman.
“At least once a fortnight.”
Pier jumping at jetties is not a new problem to the Bass Coast and Gippsland Lakes.
Life Saving Victoria (LSV) and Parks Victoria warn swimmers to think before they jump or dive from piers and jetties to minimise the risk of spinal cord injury.
Hundreds of spinal cord injuries are reported each year and Life Saving Victoria says nine per cent of these injuries are caused by water-related accidents.
Despite regular patrols of piers and upgraded signage across all public jetties people are not heeding the warnings.
According to Parks Victoria diving from piers and jetties might seem like a good idea on a hot day but in reality it is an extremely dangerous practice.
“People don’t realise that water depths change daily as a result of the tides, sand movement and submerged debris.”
Independence Australia, a disability service and support organisation for those with spinal injuries, says young men in particular are ignoring the warnings and not thinking before they jump or dive around waterways.
“Males aged 15 to 35 years are at the highest risk of acquiring a spinal cord injury, yet a common cause of these injuries is water or diving related activities.
“We encourage people to find a safe point from which to enter the water to swim and enjoy the beach this summer.”
Gippsland Ports has also warned of the danger of swimming from wharves and jetties.
Swimming in areas where boats are operating is extremely dangerous according to Gippsland Ports and can result in death or serious injuries.
“Most boats are powered by propellers which are sharp and spin at high speed, and swimmers in the water are sometimes very difficult for boat operators to see.”
Boat propeller injuries, if not fatal, are always serious usually resulting in severe disfigurement, prolonged rehabilitation, ongoing disability, and permanent impairment.
If you are looking for a place to swim, instead of jumping from a jetty or wharf please swim at a designated patrolled beach. Visit the BeachSafe App for more details on beaches near you.