Keeping you and your family safe in, on and around water. 2007/2008 Victorian water safety guide SINK OR SWIM www.watersafety.vic.gov.au
Key Water Safety Messages ever take your eyes off toddlers N and small children. Check it s OK to swim at a river, lake or beach. Always swim between the red and yellow flags at a lifesaver patrolled beach. Who s looking out for you? Never swim unsupervised. Don t put your life on the line. Get on board with life jackets. Play it safe, take your mates. As Victorians we look forward to spending time in and by the water particularly during the warmer months. In partnership with Life Saving Victoria and supported by a collective of aquatic agencies, the Victorian Government through the Play it Safe by the Water campaign has been working together to encourage everyone to continue to enjoy Victoria s waterways safely. This Water Safety Guide has been produced to assist you, your family, and friends to gain a greater understanding of our different aquatic environments and allows you to play your part in ensuring no matter where or when you are in the water; you can always play it safe. This Guide provides important water safety information, emergency numbers, locations of patrolled beaches, a range of aquatic activities and how to get involved. Many volunteer lifesavers give up their time to train for and provide rescue and surveillance services to the community. This summer everyone can be a lifesaver and help play a role in providing for a safer aquatic environment, so that all Victorians can continue to Play it Safe by the Water. Bob Cameron MP Minister for Police & Emergency Services
Play it Safe by the Water 4 Pool Safety 5, 6 & 7 Inland Water Safety 8 & 9 Beach Safety 10 & 11 Location of Patrolled Beaches in Victoria 12 & 13 Surfing, Bodyboarding and Rock Fishing Safety 14 & 15 Boating Safety 16 & 17 How to get involved in Aquatic Activities 18 & 19 Water Safety Signs 20 & 21 Water Survival 22 DRABCD 23 Emergency AND OTHER contacts 24 contents
Play it Safe by the Water When enjoying Victoria s wonderful coastline, lakes, river systems, public and home swimming pools, remember the following. Know your environment There are different safety rules for beaches, rivers, lakes and public or private swimming pools. Be aware of the local water environment and weather conditions before entering the water. Behave safely Obey all water safety signs, don t drink alcohol while in charge of a boat and make sure someone is looking out for you. Learn to swim Being able to swim is an essential water safety skill. Everybody, especially school-age children, should be taught to swim and how to stay afloat. If you get into trouble in the water, thrown from a boat or swept out to sea, there are a number of basic skills to help you survive, such as staying calm, remaining with your boat or using a buoyant object to stay afloat. Being able to swim also opens up sport, leisure and great recreational experiences. 4 PLAY IT SAfE BY THE WATER
POOL SAFETY Home pool safety Safety barriers a legal requirement. It is law that swimming pools or spas on private residential properties in Victoria provide safety barriers to restrict access to the pool or spa. Every private swimming pool or spa capable of containing a depth of water exceeding 300mm must have a childproof safety barrier. A building permit is also required prior to installing the barrier. Safety barriers, even when provided, are no substitute for adult supervision of toddlers and children who are playing in or near swimming pools or spas. Barriers are required for 4 inground pools 4 jacuzzis 4 aboveground pools 4 hot tubs 4 indoor swimming pools 4 spas 4 bathing and wading pools. To ensure that your safety barrier remains effective 4 fit and maintain correct safety measures to gates, doors and windows (e.g. self-closing, self-latching devices, flyscreens) 4 make sure you remove any items such as chairs, boxes, pool pumps that could be used to climb the barrier to access the pool. For further information, contact your local council or the Building Commission on (03) 9285 6400 or visit www.buildingcommission.com.au. POOL SAFETY 5
Never take your eyes off Never take your eyes off children in and around the pool. Supervision means constant visual contact, not the occasional glance, even at your local pool. Pool safety tips 4 Supervision means constant visual contact, not the occasional glance. 4 If you leave the pool or water area, even for a moment, take the children with you. 4 A swimming pool fence is not a substitute for supervision. 4 Display a resuscitation chart on your pool fence. 4 Familiarise children with water by taking them to lessons at the local pool. 4 Empty paddling pools when they are not in use. 4 Empty baths, basins, sinks, buckets and troughs, immediately after use. Public pool safety Even in a supervised public pool, never take your eyes off children swimming. Toddlers, in particular, have a natural attraction to water and their sense of danger and fear is underdeveloped. Special care should be taken to ensure they receive adequate supervision. Here are some simple safety steps to follow. 4 Supervision means constant visual contact, not the occasional glance, even at a public pool. You should be within arms reach. 4 A lifeguard is no substitute for parental supervision. 4 Obey the lifeguard s directions. 4 Follow pool rules. 4 Be aware of other people in the water, particularly when it is crowded. 4 Watch out for young children. 4 Do not go out of your depth unless you are a good swimmer. 6 POOL SAFETY
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Inland water safety Many people drown in Victoria s rivers, lakes and dams or are paralysed after diving into shallow water. The best way to check it s OK to swim is to ask someone who knows the area, such as a shopkeeper, caravan park owner or park ranger. what is so dangerous about inland waterways? Unfortunately, over a third of drowning deaths in Victoria occur in inland waterways, where the conditions are very different to those at the beach. Always check it s OK to swim at an inland waterway such as a river, dam or lake. Speak to local residents, as they can tell you where it s safe. Every year people are paralysed after diving into shallow water in rivers and lakes. Always check the water depth before entering the water, and look carefully for sandbanks, weeds, rocks and other hazards. You can test this with an object such as a branch. 8 Inland Water Safety
Lake safety 4 Lakes may look calm but are often very dangerous. Strong winds can create choppy conditions making it dangerous for swimming and boating. 4 Strong currents are likely wherever a river enters a lake, and the lake bed may be soft and uneven where silt has been deposited. 4 Cold water in lakes can be lethal. It is often much colder beneath the surface than you think. 4 Suddenly submerging into cold water can cause distress, shock and lack of mobility. If you feel cold, get out of the water immediately. Check it s OK to swim River safety 4 Never swim in fast-flowing water. Check the speed first by throwing in a twig to see how fast it travels. 4 If you are caught in a current, float on your back and travel downstream, feet first, to protect your head from impact with any objects. 4 Beware of submerged objects. Trees, branches, rocks and discarded rubbish can be very dangerous. 4 Be careful not to stand near the edge of overhanging river banks, which can crumble away. 4 Conditions can change rapidly due to heavy rainfall or the release of water from storage areas. Remember that what is safe in the morning can be dangerous by the afternoon. 4 Watch out for soft or uneven river beds, which can cause difficulties for waders or swimmers. Inland Water Safety 9
Beach safety Always swim between the flags Any beach can be dangerous. Beach-goers should be careful and always swim between the red and yellow flags, which indicate that the beach is patrolled. When swimming between the red and yellow flags, always look back to the beach to check that you are still between the flags. If you choose to swim outside these flags, you could be moving into a more dangerous location. What is a patrolled beach? Patrolled beaches are identified by red and yellow flags. With 65 of Victoria s most popular beaches having lifesaving patrols during the summer months, there s no reason for you not to swim between the flags (see pages 12 and 13 for locations of these patrolled beaches). What if a beach is not patrolled? As beaches are not patrolled every day of the year, please remember to 4 check it s OK to swim 4 never swim alone 4 read and obey the water safety signs. 10 Beach safety
What is a rip? A rip is a strong water current running out to sea from a beach. Rips can easily sweep swimmers out to sea from shallow water, sometimes several hundred metres offshore. Rips occur at all beach locations, including bays. Common signs of a rip are 4 murky brown water caused by sand being stirred up off the sea bed 4 foam on the surface extending beyond the break 4 waves breaking on both sides of the rip but not inside the rip (the rip may seem calm and inviting) 4 water that appears dark, indicating deeper water 4 debris floating out to sea. If you are caught in a rip when at a beach patrolled by lifesavers, obey the three Rs: Relax Raise Rescue Stay calm and float with the current; swim across it, not against it. Raise an arm to signal for help. Float and wait for assistance. What is the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Service? Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Service is an aerial surveillance and call-out rescue service. If you see a plane circling an area with its landing gear down, lights on and rocking its wings from side to side, you should leave the water. The aircraft may also sound its siren. These are signs that there is a hazard in the water. always swim between the flags BEAch safety 11
W A PATROLLED BEACHES IN VICTORIA Geelong Queenscliff Point Lonsdale Ocean Grove Coastal Watch O Barwon Heads 13th Beach Bancoora Torquay Front Jan Juc Torquay P Anglesea Point Roadknight Fairhaven Lorne Mildura Wye River Kennett River Mildura (Murray River) Portland (Cape Bridgewater) Port Fairy Warrnambool Port Campbell Apollo Bay 7 day a week service between mid November to end of February and Weekend and Public Holidays Patrols to Easter Monday. 7 day a week service between mid December to mid February and weekend and Public Holidays patrols from last weekend in November to Easter Monday. 7 day a week service between 26th December to mid February and weekend and Public Holidays patrols from last weekend in November to Easter Monday. 12 Weekend and Public Holidays Patrols (normally last weekend in November to Easter Monday) and Christmas School Holiday 7 day a week service. Christmas School Holidays 7 day a week service. Weekend and Public Holidays Patrols (normally last weekend in November to Easter Monday). KEY * 24hr Marine Search and Rescue Marine Offshore Service. 24hr Marine Search and Rescue Rigid Inflatable Offshore Service. Rescue water craft. Undergoing affiliation to LSV.
illiamstown ltona Westpac Lifesaver 7 & 8 (Fixed wing aircraft) Sandridge Port Melbourne South Melbourne St Kilda Elwood Brighton Hampton Sandringham Half Moon Bay Black Rock Beaumaris Mentone Mordialloc Aspendale Edithvale Chelsea Longbeach Bonbeach Carrum Seaford Frankston Mornington VMR Mornington * ortsea Sorrento Mt Martha Dromana Rosebud Southern Peninsula Rescue Squad* cean Grove * Gunnamatta VMR Hastings * Point Leo Cowes Smiths Beach Woolamai Beach Phillip Island Marine Rescue Service Mallacoota Victoria Eastern Beach Lakes Entrance Cape Paterson Wonthaggi Inverloch Venus Bay Waratah Bay Tidal River Seaspray Woodside Beach When are the beaches in Victoria patrolled? Life Saving Victoria patrols operate when the red and yellow flags are displayed by lifesavers. This normally occurs on weekends and public holidays, between the last week in November to Easter Monday. For further information visit www.lifesavingvictoria.com.au Patrolled Beaches in Victoria 13
Who s looking out for you? SURFING, BODYBOARDING AND ROCK FISHING Where can I go surfing? At a patrolled beach all surfers must surf outside the blue flags. These flags are sometimes used to create a buffer zone between the swimming area (between the red and yellow flags) and the board riding areas. No surfboards are allowed between the blue flags. Many of the best surf spots are found at beaches that are not patrolled, but if you are going to surf there, never surf alone! Surfers must take responsibility for their own and others safety. Always let someone know where you are going. Surfing and bodyboarding safety tips 4 Always surf or bodyboard with a friend. 4 Assess the conditions thoroughly prior to entering the surf. 4 When surfing or bodyboarding use the correct equipment leg rope and nose guard for surfing, wrist strap and fins for bodyboarding. 4 If you get into trouble, stay on your surfboard or bodyboard; it will keep you afloat. 4 If you are caught in a rip, stay calm, stay with your board and paddle parallel to the beach, then catch a broken wave back to shore. 4 Be aware of other people in the water and don t surf or bodyboard too close to swimmers. 4 Don t surf or bodyboard when waves are dumping (these waves break with great force and can easily throw you to the bottom). 14 surfing, Bodyboarding & rock fishing Safety
What do I need to remember when rock fishing? Rock fishing is a popular pastime for many Victorian anglers. Anglers take to the rock ledges on many parts of the coastline. Rock fishing can however be extremely dangerous. Most rock fishing deaths are caused by anglers being swept off rocks. Check conditions and stay alert to changes. Weather conditions can prove hazardous for people not properly prepared for the activity. When going rock fishing ensure you have the correct safety gear which includes a life jacket, non-slip footwear and light clothing. Be sure to inform someone of where you are rock fishing and ask for advice from locals who know the area, select the safest possible location. Rock fishing safety tips 4 Always wear a life jacket (Personal Flotation Device) when rock fishing. 4 Always check weather conditions and tides before going rock fishing. 4 Never fish by yourself. 4 Never fish in exposed areas during rough seas; find a calmer spot. 4 Don t turn your back on the sea. 4 Inform others of your plans. 4 Wear appropriate non-slip footwear, light clothing and head protection. Don t put your life on the line surfing, Bodyboarding & rock fishing Safety 15
16 GET ON BOARD WITH LIFE JACKETS
BOATING SAFETY Before heading out ensure that your safety equipment is on board and easily accessible. Make a habit of running a regular maintenance check on your boat. when do I need to wear a life jacket (PFD)? PFDs must be worn at all times* on: 4 Powerboats up to and including 4.8m 4 Off the beach yachts and paddle craft. PFDs must be worn at times of heightened risk* on: 4 Powerboats greater than 4.8m up to 12m 4 All yachts. What is heightened risk? Heightened risk = 4 at night 4 boating alone 4 crossing bars 4 high risk of capsize or swamping 4 during a gale, storm, severe thunderstorm 4 or severe weather warning issued by BoM 4 yachts with no safety barriers, lifelines, safety harnesses or jacklines in use. * When in an open area of a vessel which is underway. Inland boating safety tips 4 Seek up-to-date local knowledge, particularly if you are going boating, as conditions of rivers and lakes may be affected by low water levels. 4 Take extreme caution and operate your vessel at a safe speed. 4 Tree stumps and other submerged objects can present a hazard to the safe operation of boats particularly those operating at speed. It is the responsibility of the boat operator to operate at a safe speed. For more information go to www.marinesafety.vic.gov.au BOATING SAFETY 17
HOW TO GET INVOLVED IN AQUATIC ACTIVITIES what type of aquatic activities can I get involved in? With our love of water and easy access to a variety of water environments, why not get involved in an activity offered from the following organisations. Aquatics & Recreation Victoria T (03) 8843 2000 W www.aquarecvic.org.au E info@aquarecvic.org.au 4 Participate in VICSWIM, a fun and educational swimming and water safety holiday program conducted at pools, beaches, lakes and rivers across Victoria. 4 Become a swim teacher (AUSTSWIM). Marine Safety Victoria T 1800 223 022 W www.marinesafety.vic.gov.au E marinesafety@doi.vic.gov.au 4 Find out about boat licensing and other boating safety. Play it safe, take your mates 18 HOW TO GET INVOLVED IN AQUATIC ACTIVITIES
Life Saving Victoria T (03) 9676 6900 W www.lifesavingvictoria.com.au E mail@lifesavingvictoria.com.au 4 Join a lifesaving club. 4 Do your Lifesaving Bronze Medallion. 4 Learn CPR and First Aid. Become a 4 professional beach lifeguard 4 volunteer lifesaver 4 professional pool lifeguard 4 swim teacher (AUSTSWIM) 4 nipper (junior lifesaver). Surfing Victoria T (03) 5261 2907 W www.surfingaustralia.com E info@surfingvic.com 4 Learn to surf. 4 Join a board riders club. 4 Become a level 1 Accredited Surf Coach. Swimming Victoria T (03) 9686 5222 W www.swimmingvictoria.org.au E sv.admin@vic.swimming.org.au 4 Join a swimming club. 4 Become a swim teacher (AUSTSWIM). 4 Become a swimming coach (NCAS accredited). yachting Victoria OR your local yacht club T (03) 9597 0066 W www.yachtingvictoria.com.au E sailing@yachtingvictoria.com.au 4 Join a sailing club and learn to sail. Contact your local aquatic centre or swim school for other aquatic activities, such as swimming and water safety programs, water polo, diving and synchronised swimming. HOW TO GET INVOLVED IN AQUATIC ACTIVITIES 19
water safety signs Where will I see water safety signs? Look out for water safety signs when you visit an aquatic location and take some time to read them. The signs provide visitors with safety information about local hazards, the closest lifesaving service and regulations that apply to the area. Use the signs to determine the suitability of an area prior to undertaking any activities. Warning signs Strong current submerged objects DROP off Regulation signs PWCs PROHIBITED No diving NO fishing Information signs Life jackets Boat ramp Surfboard riding 20 water safety signs
CHECK FOR WATER SAFETY SIGNS Red to attract attention and advise on location Warning Signs Advice on potential hazards at this location. water safety signs 21
water survival what will I do if I accidentally end up in the water? If you fall overboard, or are swept out to sea, or are caught in a river current, stay calm. You can stay afloat for a long time, even if you are exhausted. Some things to remember. 4 Use any available buoyant object to assist flotation or stay with your boat. 4 Remain as still as possible to conserve energy and reduce heat loss. 4 If you must swim, use slow relaxed strokes. 4 Breathe in a regular and controlled manner. 4 To attract attention, float on your back and raise one arm; waving both arms makes it very difficult to keep your head above water. How do I avoid spinal injuries? To avoid spinal injuries 4 never dive into unknown water; always check that it s OK to swim 4 check the depth and always check for submerged objects. People who seem bewildered and experience lack of movement, muscle weakness, numbness or tingling are likely to have suffered spinal injury. The first priority is to ensure that the airway is clear. It is best not to try to move the victim but to seek expert help. REMAIN CALM TO SURVIVE 22 WATER SURVIVAL
RESUSCITATION ACTION PLAN (DRABCD) D DANGERS CHECK FOR HAZARDS / RISKS / SAFETY Remove possible dangers R RESPONSE CHECK FOR RESPONSE No response? Unconscious? CALL HELP PHONE 000 SEND FOR HELP DIAL 000 ASK FOR THE AMBULANCE SERVICE A AIRWAY OPEN THE AIRWAY AND LOOK FOR SIGNS OF LIFE Look, listen and feel for breathing. Check for coughing or any movement. Take at least 5 seconds, but no more than 10 seconds. NO SIGNS OF LIFE: UNCONSCIOUS UNRESPONSIVE NOT BREATHING NORMALLY NOT MOVING B BREATHS GIVE 2 INITIAL RESCUE BREATHS IF NOT BREATHING NORMALLY If the victim begins breathing normally after these initial rescue breaths, place them in the recovery position and monitor them. STILL NO SIGNS OF LIFE? C COMPRESSIONS GIVE 30 CHEST COMPRESSIONS FOLLOWED BY 2 BREATHS Almost 2 compressions per second. D DEFIBRILLATION ATTACH AUTOMATED EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AND FOLLOW ITS PROMPTS ADULT 8 YEARS OF AGE AND OLDER HEAD TILT: FULL COMPRESSIONS: 2 HANDS CHILD 1 8 YEARS OF AGE HEAD TILT: AS REQUIRED COMPRESSIONS: 1 HAND INFANT LESS THAN 1 YEAR OF AGE HEAD TILT: NEUTRAL COMPRESSIONS: TWO FINGERS, 1/3 OF CHEST DEPTH CPR 30:2 PUSH FIRM PUSH FAST 30 COMPRESSIONS 2 BREATHS 5 CYCLES IN 2 MINUTES CONTINUE CPR UNTIL QUALIFIED PERSONNEL ARRIVE OR SIGNS OF LIFE RETURN DRABC 23
Emergency and other contacts Emergency Police, Fire or Ambulance RING 000 If you have a speech or hearing disability the service can be accessed via the National Relay Service on 106. Mobile phone users who are unable to access the 000 service can also dial 112. Poisons Information Centre T 131 126 (24 hours) Information and advice if someone is 4 poisoned, takes an overdose or is given an incorrect medicine or incorrect dose of medicine 4 bitten or stung by a spider, snake, insect, bee, wasp, jellyfish, fish, scorpion, etc. Weather information Bureau of Meteorology T (03) 9669 4916 T 1196 for current weather forecasts W www.bom.gov.au Surf Reports W www.coastalwatch.com EPA Beach Report EPA Beach Report program monitors water quality at 35 Port Phillip Bay beaches. It provides beach water quality so people can make informed decisions about which beach they will visit. This program operates from 1 December until early March. Environment Protection AUTHORITY T (03) 9695 2722 W www.epa.vic.gov.au/beachreport All information is a guide only and current at the time of printing, October 2007. For further information contact the relevant agencies listed in this guide. For additional copies of the 2007-08 Guide contact: 4 Aquatics & Recreation Victoria, T (03) 8843 2000 4 Information Victoria, T 1300 366 356 (local call cost) 4 or download a copy from www.watersafety.vic.gov.au