The number of people rescued by south-west surf lifesavers this summer has doubled, compared to the same time last year.
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Life Saving Victoria (LSV) statistics showed there were 14 rescues from December 1, 2016 to January 31, 2017, compared with seven rescues for the same time last summer.
The beaches included Warrnambool, Port Fairy, Port Campbell, Narrawong and Portland across both lifeguard services and volunteer patrols.
More than 68,400 people visited the five beaches over the two-month period.
Narrawong had six rescues compared with two rescues for the same time last year, while Warrnambool surf lifesavers conducted five rescues in December and January, compared with four in 2015/16.
Port Fairy rescues also increased from one last summer to two in 2016/17 and Port Campbell had one call for help, compared to none in 2015/16.
The Portland club members did not perform any rescues during either period.
LSV lifesaving operations manager Greg Scott said the only “significant increase” occurred at Narrawong.
“However it is important to note the small sample size, with an increase... from two rescues to six,” he said.
Mr Scott said the slight increase in rescues could be attributed to various weather, beach and surf conditions experienced on a particular day.
He said the total figure of 14 rescues was not a concern and LSV liked to see a low number of rescues occur at patrolled beaches.
“It highlights the good work lifesavers are doing in preventing rescues from occurring,” Mr Scott said.
He commended the public for doing the “right thing” by swimming at patrolled beaches, where they could be assisted.
“The public play their part by swimming at patrolled locations and the lifesavers are there if needed,” he said.
Surf lifesavers performed 1710 preventative actions in the south-west this summer, which is down from 1850 last year.
Mr Scott said a preventative action was a “direct action taken to reduce or eliminate the probability of a specific rescue, first aid or other reportable incident from happening in the future.”
The number of preventative actions recorded is to reflect the number of specific rescue, first aid or other reportable incidents that were avoided, he said.
There was also a decrease in first aid administered across the five sites from 56 last year to 50 in 2016/17.
The estimated attendance at the five beaches was 68,420 people in December and January, which is slightly down on last year’s figure of 69,400.
Warrnambool and Port Fairy were the highest attended beaches in the region with 30,350 and 27,110 people respectively.
Narrawong had more than 2200 beach-goers, while Portland and Port Campbell had 4100 and 4550 users respectively.
Mr Scott reminded swimmers to be aware and prepared for conditions. Up-to-date conditions and warnings can be accessed on the Bureau of Meteorology app and VicEmergency app
Swimmers are encouraged to read safety signs to understand dangers, swim between the red and yellow flags and to swim with a friend. It is also important to know how to spot and avoid rip currents.
For more information go to beachsafe.org.au or download the beachsafe app.