LAST summer was one of the most disastrous on record for beach drownings in Bass Coast but the responsible local agencies, Phillip Island Nature Parks and Bass Coast Shire Council are already out on the front foot this season promoting beach safety.
They kicked off a public awareness campaign ahead of the Melbourne Cup long weekend and will continue on in the lead up to summer.
Advertising will appear in local media, Destination Phillip Island’s Visitor Guide and on social media in various languages.
Council and the Nature Parks have been working closely with Parks Victoria, Life Saving Victoria and emergency services to review and collaborate on aspects of beach safety.
Council will also be conducting visual inspections of Bass Coast beach safety signage to ensure visibility and condition in the lead-up to summer.
Every booked visitor to the Nature Parks from November through to April will also receive a beach safety message with their email confirmation reminding them to download the Surf Life Saving ‘Beachsafe app’ and access important information available on the Life Saving Victoria website.
A new ‘safety’ website page has also been launched at penguins.org.au/visit/safety.
Catherine Basterfield, Chief Executive Officer at Phillip Island Nature Parks said the south coast of Phillip Island is famous for its fantastic surf and spectacular views, however its rugged and exposed coastline can be hazardous.
“The devastating incidents along the Bass Coast last summer are an unfortunate reminder of the dangers of the ocean and particularly unpatrolled beaches.”
“As the long weekend approaches and we welcome more visitors to explore Phillip Island, we want everyone to keep safe.”
Bass Coast Shire Council Chief Executive Officer Greg Box said all organisations were committed to ensuring tourists were properly informed about the risks, but also where they can enjoy the safe beaches the region has to offer.
“The Bass Coast is a wonderful place where tourists and locals can experience beautiful beaches safely and we will continue to work closely with the Nature Parks, Parks Victoria and Life Saving Victoria to get that message out there,” Mr Box said.
The message is also being delivered at local Visitor Information Centres about the safest places to swim, especially at patrolled beaches, between the flags, if visitors chose to access beaches on the surf side.
Last Saturday, volunteer patrols started at local surf beaches with updated information available via the Beachsafe app HERE
