The former Warrnambool boy used to delight in swimming and surfing at south-west beaches during summer.

But as director of Austin Health’s Victorian Spinal Cord Service, Dr Nunn also knows January is the peak danger time for spinal cord injuries caused by water sports accidents.

He said the causes were not only diving into shallow water but also accidents involving jet skis and other aquatic recreational activities.

“People have a few beers and leap into the water when they cannot see anything,” Dr Nunn said.

“The most vulnerable part of the body is the neck.”

Ten per cent of spinal cord injuries in Victoria are caused by water sports, and three-quarters of those are people aged under 35 — mostly males. Nearly all become quadriplegics. 

“It is devastating for young people,” Dr Nunn said.

His message was to check the water depth before diving in and be careful with any water activity. 

With people flocking to beaches today to seek relief from soaring temperatures, Life Saving Victoria is also urging beachgoers to take care.

LSV lifesaving operations manager Greg Scott said rip currents could occur at all beaches, even in bays. 

“They are extremely dangerous, and are very difficult to spot if you haven’t been taught to recognise them,” Mr Scott said.

“Assess the conditions against your abilities and whether your activities are appropriate for the conditions. 

“Unless you are absolutely certain you can identify and avoid a rip current, the only option is to swim between the flags at a patrolled location.”

He also urged people not to swim alone. “Seventy per cent of drowning victims last year were alone at the time,” Mr Scott said.

ehimmelreich@fairfaxmedia.com.au