A relaxing Christmas Day paddleboarding trip on Corio Bay turned into a frightening 18-kilometre ordeal for a woman and a teenager, who were swept from Portarlington all the way to Werribee South before a dramatic rescue.
A Festive Outing Takes a Dangerous Turn
The pair, a 41-year-old woman from Hoppers Crossing and a 15-year-old girl, set out on their paddleboards from Portarlington on the afternoon of December 25. What was meant to be a peaceful activity quickly escalated when strong winds and tidal currents pulled them away from the shore and out into the open waters of Port Phillip Bay.
Unable to paddle against the powerful conditions, they began a long and involuntary journey south. Carried by the wind and current, they drifted far from their starting point, losing sight of land as evening approached. They were reported missing when they failed to return, triggering a major multi-agency search operation.
The Dramatic Night-Time Rescue
Emergency services, including Water Police, the Coast Guard, and the Victoria Police Air Wing, scoured the bay throughout the evening. The light from their mobile phones ultimately proved to be their salvation. Rescuers spotted the faint glow approximately four kilometres offshore from Werribee South, leading to their location just before 10:30 PM.
By the time they were found, the pair had drifted an astonishing 18 kilometres from their original launch point at Portarlington. A police vessel successfully retrieved them from the water. While cold, exhausted, and undoubtedly shaken by their experience, both were assessed as being in good health and did not require hospital treatment.
A Stark Reminder of Water Safety
Acting Senior Sergeant Mark Gray from the Water Police Unit emphasised the inherent risks of paddleboarding and similar water activities, especially in open bays. He highlighted how quickly conditions can change, catching even experienced people off guard.
"The wind can get up, the tide can turn, and before you know it you're a lot further out than you intended to be," he stated. This incident serves as a critical reminder for all recreational water users to take essential precautions.
Authorities recommend the following safety measures for paddleboarding:
- Always wear a personal flotation device (PFD) or lifejacket.
- Use a leg leash to keep you connected to your board.
- Carry a reliable means of communication, such as a waterproof mobile phone or a VHF radio.
- Check weather and tidal conditions thoroughly before heading out.
- Inform someone on shore of your plans and expected return time.
The successful outcome of this Christmas Day emergency is a testament to the coordinated response of Victoria's marine rescue services. However, it underscores the ever-present dangers of the water and the non-negotiable importance of being prepared for the worst, even on a calm festive afternoon.
