WHETHER it’s at Kilcunda on the mainland or Forrest Caves on Phillip Island, the scenes of several tragic drownings last summer, visitors will be greeted with new warning signs this holiday season.
In the past week, the entrances to beaches at Kilcunda got their new signs, following similar work on Phillip Island.
The message is loud and clear, not delivered in conjunction with ‘No Dogs’ warnings: ‘Swimming not advised – strong currents and rips’.
The signs include large hazard symbols conveying a don’t swim message and highlighting moving rips.
Prominent public affairs commentator, Graham Jolly of Cape Woolamai has praised the authorities for erecting the new signs.
“Council, Phillip Island Nature Parks and their partners need to be congratulated for what they are doing, not only putting up the new warning signs but also being prepared to educate tourists visiting their information centres,” Mr Jolly said.
“It’s something we all need t take responsibility for. We simply cannot repeat the experience of last summer which affected so many people.
“My concerns are that the signs only refer to swimming. I spoke to some of the affected family members, and they told me they were only wading in the water, not swimming, when the sand slipped out from under them and they were immediately struggling.
“It’s good to see the signs are being located down closer to the beach, I only hope visitors look at the signs and heed the warning, but it needs to be supported by an education and promotion campaign.”
Recently the Bass Coast Shire Council launched a more comprehensive beach safety campaign, urging people to only swim at patrolled beaches, and encouraging them to “assess the environment and take precautions to prevent tragedy by swimming or wading”.
“If you are unsure about conditions on a beach; do not swim there. Please only enter the water on patrolled beaches where there are lifeguards. We want everyone who comes to enjoy our beaches to go home safely.
"We encourage all visitors and residents to download the Beach Safe app (Beachsafe App | SLSA Beachsafe) and access key beach safety messaging on the Life Saving Victoria website and throughout our Visitor Information Centres.”
The authorities will also be using VMS advertising boards at Kilcunda and at the Phillip Island Visitor Centre to reinforce the beach safety message over the summer.
Click on the beachsafe.org.au link or get a friend to scan this code for up to date details on beach conditions including safe beaches and patrolled beach locations.
