Emergency services carried out a series of dramatic rescues across Victoria on Christmas Day, saving six people from perilous conditions in separate incidents on the state's waterways.
Paddleboarders Blown 10 Kilometres Offshore
The most serious incident began in the early hours of Thursday morning at Port Arlington on the Bellarine Peninsula. A 51-year-old woman and her teenage stepson set out on new paddleboards into Port Phillip Bay without life jackets.
Strong winds gusting up to 60km/h lashed the coast, combined with dangerous currents, quickly blowing the pair off course. When family members on shore lost sight of them, they raised the alarm.
This triggered a large-scale, complex search operation involving the Victoria Police Air Wing, a rescue helicopter, and the Coast Guard. Acting Senior Sergeant Quirk described the challenge, noting it was a "really big, challenging search area."
After roughly three hours, the pair were located. They had drifted approximately 10 kilometres from their launch point at Port Arlington. Police guided a vessel to their position, and they were brought to safety near Wyndham, suffering only mild hypothermia.
The family later issued a statement expressing their shock and gratitude. "We are so grateful for the outcome but still trying to come to terms with how quickly a beautiful carefree afternoon turned into an almost tragedy," they said. "We are exhausted, very shaken and feel so lucky we were able to stay together."
Multiple Kayakers in Trouble Across the State
Earlier on the same day, rescue crews were already busy on the Bass Coast. Three women kayaking at Coronet Bay got into difficulty and had to be winched to safety by emergency teams.
In a separate incident, another kayaker required rescue from dangerous waters at Paynesville in Gippsland. These back-to-back emergencies have highlighted the volatile risks facing recreational water users during the Australian summer.
Authorities Issue Stern Summer Safety Warning
Victoria Police and lifesaving agencies have used these Christmas Day rescues to reiterate critical safety advice. They urge all boaters and paddlers to:
- Check weather forecasts thoroughly before heading out.
- Always wear a life jacket.
- Carry a registered distress beacon or suitable communication device.
- Honestly understand and respect personal limits on the water.
The incidents underscore how quickly conditions can deteriorate, putting even experienced individuals at extreme risk. Last year, more than 1000 people required rescue from Victorian waterways, with 23 drowning deaths recorded. The message from authorities is clear: preparation and caution are non-negotiable for a safe summer on the water.
