Community
24 April, 2026
Flags are now down
LAST Sunday marked the end of the summer patrol season for Life Saving Victoria (LSV).
With the flags now taken down on beaches across the district, LSV has sent a timely warning to the community to remain alert to autumn and winter water safety risks – and take extra care if entering beaches during this time.
Volunteer lifesavers and paid lifeguards put in an incredible effort across the state, performing 631 rescues and 1,465 first-aid interventions over the 2025/26 patrol period.
This period ran from November through to April.
While hundreds of lives have been saved, there were still 25 fatal drowning incidents across Victorian coastal, inland and home environments during the season.
These figures are lower than the record numbers seen in previous seasons, underscoring the vital role our volunteers play, and also suggesting the Victorian community is taking water safety messages seriously.
The weather may be cooling, but water safety remains a year-round issue.
‘Unintentional entry’ incidents where people accidentally slip, trip or fall into the water are of particular concern during this period.
Unintentional entry incidents account for more than a third of all drowning fatalities in Victoria and are more likely to occur during the cooler months, increasing across autumn, winter and spring when water safety risks are often underestimated.
Life Saving Victoria chief executive officer Catherine Greaves thanked volunteer lifesavers and paid lifeguards for their efforts over the season, and encouraged Victorians to remain vigilant in, on and around water.
“Our volunteer lifesavers and paid lifeguards make an extraordinary contribution to our community, giving their time and energy to keep us safe in the water,” she said.
“I thank and commend them for all they have achieved this season.
“With patrols now at an end, help is further away, so it’s vital everyone plays their part to prevent drowning, and remains aware of the risks around water.
“In the cooler months, slips, trips and falls, particularly at areas like coastal rock platforms and riverbanks, remain a major water safety issue.
“We encourage everyone to watch their footing on wet and unstable ground, check conditions, read safety signs and wear a lifejacket when boating or rock fishing. If you see someone doing something unsafe, calmly and politely call it out. We encourage you to do this even if it’s someone you don’t know.”
