Swim between the flags
LIFE Saving Victoria is urging beach-goers to swim between the red and yellow flags this summer, following a rise in coastal drownings across the state.
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Extra lifeguards will be on patrol, with the Christmas to New Year period traditionally the busiest time on Victorian beaches.
According to the latest Victorian Drowning Report, 20 of the 43 fatal drowning deaths in 2015-16 occurred in Victorian coastal waters, which was a 32 per cent increase compared to the average for the previous decade.
Victoria has 811km of ocean beaches and 259km of bay beaches. It’s important people realise just how dangerous beaches can be, even on a calm day. Conditions can change quickly so we ask people to check weather forecasts and monitor the conditions. Please consider whether your activities are appropriate for the conditions and also assess your own abilities. Know how to identify and avoid rip currents – rips occur at all beaches, even in the bay.
Lifesavers patrol 57 locations on weekends over summer and during the peak period lifeguards are employed to patrol midweek as well as at additional locations.
Greg Scott, Life Saving Victoria lifesaving operations manager
Responsible pet ownership
RSPCA Victoria is reminding dog owners to ensure their pet’s microchip, registration and tag details are up-to-date after high winds and stormy weather drove a 22 per cent spike in lost dogs admitted to its nine Victorian Animal Care Centres.
Across the state, 224 dogs were admitted to RSPCA Victoria shelters between December 19 and 28, compared with 184 in the same period last year.
However, the number reunited with their owners is down from 81 per cent to 74 pre cent, partly due to the number of animals whose microchip, registration or tag details were not updated.
Pet owners can enjoy the festive season and New Year celebrations by planning for their animal’s comfort and safety.
In the lead-up to New Year’s Eve fireworks, RSPCA Victoria recommends consulting a vet for tips on desensitising, or medication that will calm your pet in times of stress.
If you won’t be home:
- Give your pet the correct dose of any medication prescribed to calm them before you go out;
- Settle your pet in a quiet room with as few windows as possible – garages and laundries often work well;
- Close bird cages, rabbit hutches and other fixed enclosures and ensure the pet door and windows are closed and locked;
- Make sure that your boundary fences and gates are secure and that your pet cannot readily escape;
- Set up a small battery operated radio to incorporate some noise and muffle outside sounds;
- Have water available, and provide food, such as treat balls. Extended chewing will help calm dogs and stimulation will distract them;
- Create a bed from blankets for burrowing and put an unwashed piece of your clothing in the room so that the pet has your scent;
- Make sure there are no breakable items, or things that could be dangerous if your pet chews them within their reach.
- Return home as quickly as possible to check on your pet and take it out to the toilet after the noises have subsided, keeping it on a leash when you do, in case it's still upset or becomes spooked; and
- Do not punish your pet for any damage or bad behaviour on your return. Being fearful is an emotional and instinctual response which an animal cannot control.
If you will be at home:
- If you are medicating your pet, remember to do so before any anxiety sets in;
- Before the fireworks or storm starts, bring your pet indoors and scatter some treats to keep it distracted and happy to be in the room;
- If your pet starts to become anxious, continue with normal activities and speak in your usual tone. This will give your pet no reason to think that there may be something worrying or unusual about the situation; and
- Provide access to a safe area where your pet may feel more at ease. Animals usually indicate their preferences such as under a bed or inside a wardrobe. Allow it to go where it wants to feel safe.
Sophie Buchanan,
RSPCA head of prevention
Travelling smart
DRIVERS will have access to up-to-date travel times on the Great Ocean Road this summer thanks to new Bluetooth vehicle detection technology.
The smart devices, installed at different locations between Geelong and Apollo Bay, will collect traffic flow data, feeding information into electronic message boards. These boards will provide real time travel estimates to townships further along the famous touring route.
The monitoring system will also be used for traffic management planning in the cases of emergencies, events or road works.
At its peak, more than 22,000 vehicles can travel along the Great Ocean Road each day.
Ten Bluetooth devices have been installed at different locations, linked to five variable message signs at Waurn Ponds, Bellbrae, Skenes Creek and two in Lorne.
The trial project will continue throughout summer. Information gathered will assist the design of improved traffic management along the Great Ocean Road, which received $3 million in funding from the state government in December. This funding is part of a $53 million package to make the Great Ocean Road more resilient into the future.
Mark Koliba, VicRoads regional director
