Check it's OK to Swim

Unfortunately many people drown in Victoria's inland waterways. Tragedy can be avoided if you check it is safe before you enter the water.

The best way to check is to ask someone who knows the area; a shopkeeper, caravan park owner or someone who lives nearby. They are most likely to know the dangers and direct you to a safe swimming spot.

Remember to enter the water carefully.

Every year people are paralysed diving into shallow water in rivers and lakes. Always enter the water feet first.

River Safety Tips

• River currents are often stronger than they appear. You can throw in a twig to check how fast the river is flowing.
• Remember, the current is stronger around the outside of a bend in the river.
• If you are caught in a current, float on your back and travel downstream feet first to protect your head from impact with any objects. Angle your travel towards shore.
• Submerged objects can be very dangerous. Keep watch for trees, branches, rocks and rubbish. Always remember to enter the water feet first.
• Remember, river conditions can change rapidly due to heavy rainfall or the release of water from storage areas. An area that is safe in the morning can be dangerous in the afternoon.
• Take care on riverbanks. They are often slippery, and can even crumble away resulting in someone accidentally falling into the water.

Lakes Safety Tips

• Cold water in lakes can be lethal. It is often much colder beneath the surface than you think. Suddenly getting into cold water can cause distress, shock and lack of mobility. If you feel cold, get out of the water straight away.
• The bottom of lakes and rivers can be soft, uneven and changeable. Beware of submerged objects. Enter the water feet first.
• Large lakes and rivers may look calm, but remember wind will cause choppy waves that make it dangerous to swim.
• Floating toys are great fun to play with. Take care on windy days when you can be easily blown away from shore.

Boating on Inland Water

• Seek up-to-date local knowledge, particularly if you are going boating, as conditions of rivers and lakes may be affected by low water levels.
• Take extreme caution and operate your vessel at a safe speed taking into account the low water levels.
• Tree stumps and other previously submerged objects can present a hazard to the safe operation of boats - particularly those operating at speed. It is the responsibility of the boat operator to operate at a safe speed.