A NEAR-DROWNING at an unpatrolled Warrnambool beach has prompted Lifesaving Victoria to remind beachgoers to choose their swimming locations wisely.
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Lifesaving Victoria's manager of lifesaving operations Liam Krige confirmed a man was found by members of the public floating face down on Monday afternoon.
On-duty lifeguards at nearby Warrnambool Surf Life Saving Club were notified and attended the scene shortly after, performing CPR until an ambulance arrived shortly after 2.45pm to transport the man to hospital.
Ambulance Victoria confirmed the man was taken to Warrnambool Base Hospital in a critical condition after being revived by a lifesaver and a paramedic.
A Warrnambool Base Hospital spokeswoman said the man was expected to be discharged on Wednesday afternoon.
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Mr Krige reminded the public to be more vigilant when choosing where to swim this summer.
"Life Saving Victoria urges all Victorians to heed vital key water safety messages before heading out onto the water this summer," he said.
"Wherever possible, swim between the red and yellow flags at a patrolled beach, be aware and prepared for the conditions by checking the Bureau of Meteorology app or at bom.gov.au, remember not to overestimate your abilities and try to understand the risks involved in any activity you are undertaking."
It's believed to be the first rescue this summer, with Warrnambool Surf Life Saving Club president Justin Houlihan telling The Standard on December 30 it had been an incident-free summer.
However, he warned swimmers not to become complacent and always swim between the flags.
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