IN another heart-stopping incident at Kilcunda Beach, three individuals narrowly escaped the clutches of death today. The unpatrolled beach, notorious for its dangerous rips, claimed the trio around 12.40pm, just east of the trestle bridge.

The victims from Latrobe Valley, an 11-year-old girl, an 18/19-year-old male, and an 18-year-old female, were swimming when they were ensnared by a deadly rip. The young girl and the male managed to return safely to shore, while the 18-year-old female collapsed upon reaching the sand.

In a heroic act of bravery, a good Samaritan from Cranbourne plunged into the treacherous waters to assist in the rescue. However, after being helped from the water by his daughter, he too collapsed on shore.

Emergency services, including Surf Lifesaving volunteers, Victoria Police, and Ambulance Victoria, along with members of the public, rushed to the aid of the victims. After receiving oxygen, the 18-year-old female was able to walk to a nearby ambulance. Both female patients were then transported to Wonthaggi Hospital for observation.

The good Samaritan was airlifted to the Alfred Hospital after a potentially unknown pre-existing health condition was triggered. Conscious but in need of immediate medical attention, he was assisted to a nearby helicopter by SES volunteers.

While the three swimmers may consider themselves lucky, Victoria Police are using this incident as a stark reminder of the dangers of swimming at unpatrolled beaches with the same stretch of water claiming one life this summer already and nearby beaches on Phillip Island claiming another four lives in recent weeks. Victoria Police along with Surf Live Saving Victoria are urging the public to only swim between the red and yellow flags at patrolled beaches, to avoid risking their lives.