Key Takeaways
- A group of paddleboarders had to be rescued on Christmas Day in Melbourne due to hazardous windy conditions on the bay.
- The rescue was one of several that took place on Christmas Day, including the rescue of three kayakers who were swept out to sea near Corinella.
- The incidents highlight the importance of being aware of and prepared for changing weather conditions when engaging in water activities.
- Life Saving Victoria and other emergency services played a crucial role in the rescues, emphasizing the need for constant awareness and good decision-making when kayaking or paddleboarding.
- The incidents serve as a reminder to always wear lifejackets and to be mindful of the risks associated with water activities, especially during extreme weather conditions.
Introduction to the Incidents
The Christmas Day celebrations in Melbourne were marked by a series of unexpected and dramatic rescues on the water. A group of paddleboarders had to be rescued after they were swept away by strong winds on Port Phillip Bay. The incident occurred on the coldest Christmas Day in Melbourne since 2006, with the city experiencing a top temperature of just 14.5 degrees. The paddleboarders’ trip was made hazardous due to the windy conditions, which made it difficult for them to make their way back to shore.
The Paddleboarding Rescue
According to Peter, a skipper with Queenscliff Coast Guard, the paddleboarding trip was made hazardous due to the windy conditions on the bay. "They paddled and all of a sudden, the wind and the tide got them and next minute they couldn’t make it back to shore," he said. The key to avoiding such incidents, Peter emphasized, is to have a look at the conditions that you’re going to be dealing with. The search for the paddleboarders ended on a positive note, but it was an unexpected and dramatic turn of events on what is supposed to be a day of celebration. As Peter noted, "at the end of the day, it’s something on Christmas Day you don’t think you’re going to be doing."
The Kayaking Rescue
In a separate incident, Life Saving Victoria winched three kayakers – a mother and her two teenage daughters – from the open sea as they drifted out to sea near Corinella, near French Island, 123 kilometers south-east of Melbourne. The incident occurred when the trio tried to retrieve a kayak that was adrift, but they were swept up in the current and ended up about 1 kilometer from the shore. The Westpac Rescue Lifesaver Helicopter was dispatched and winched the three women from choppy waters, returning them to shore. Fortunately, all three people were conscious and breathing and were wearing lifejackets.
Importance of Awareness and Preparation
The incidents highlight the importance of being aware of and prepared for changing weather conditions when engaging in water activities. Kayaking requires constant awareness and good decision-making, and conditions can change quickly. It is vital for kayakers to prepare for the environment they are operating in and to be mindful of the risks associated with kayaking. As noted by Life Saving Victoria, "kayaking requires constant awareness and good decision-making. Conditions can change quickly, so it is vital kayakers prepare for the environment they are operating in."
Other Incidents
Earlier on Christmas Day, police were called to Lake King in Paynesville, Gippsland, almost 300 kilometers south-east of Melbourne, after reports of a kayaker in trouble. The man had not been seen for about two hours, but his kayak had rolled. Water police, along with the air wing and coast guard, searched for the man before he was found about 3 pm. The man, from Hoppers Crossing in Melbourne’s west, was picked up by the coast guard and returned unharmed to shore. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of being prepared and aware of the risks associated with water activities.
Conclusion
The incidents on Christmas Day serve as a reminder of the importance of being aware of and prepared for changing weather conditions when engaging in water activities. The rescues highlight the crucial role that Life Saving Victoria and other emergency services play in keeping people safe on the water. As the weather continues to be unpredictable, it is essential for people to be mindful of the risks associated with water activities and to take necessary precautions to ensure their safety. By being aware of the conditions and taking necessary precautions, people can enjoy the water while minimizing the risks associated with it.