Marine Rescue NSW, Life Saving Victoria and Ambulance Victoria are urging visitors to the Murray River to be careful as the Southern 80 takes place this weekend, February 9 to 11.
The Murray River will be closed between Five Mile and Victoria Park boat ramps between 6am and 7pm on Saturday, and between Torrumbarry Weir and Victoria Park Boat Ramp from 6am to 7pm on Sunday.
Marine Rescue NSW zone duty operations manager Inspector Glenn Sullivan reminds visitors to be cautious of other users of the Murray River during the Southern 80.
“During this weekend, the Southern 80 will be operating, and during this time locals and visitors to the region will notice more traffic on the river moving at high speeds in preparation for the two-day event,” Mr Sullivan said.
“Marine Rescue is asking people to be mindful when entering and exiting the water and to avoid the middle due to increased water traffic.”
Mr Sullivan also urged spectators to consume alcohol responsibly.
“Marine Rescue NSW would like to see everyone who participates or attends the event to be careful and return safely home,” he said.
While the river remains closed to swimmers during the Southern 80, the warnings come following a spate of drownings across Victoria.
LSV lifesaving services general manager Liam Krige said the recent incidents were a timely reminder of the dangers of entering the water without awareness.
“We are highly concerned about the number of drownings we are seeing across the Victorian coastline and in inland waterways, “ Mr Krige said.
“To date, this summer we have seen 22 drownings. That is far too many. Many of those are preventable and avoidable.”
Ambulance Victoria’s emergency management director Justin Dunlop said paramedics had responded to far too many drownings and near-misses at coastal and inland waterways this year.
“We urge people to be aware of their surroundings and pay attention around water, never swim alone, don’t swim if you’ve been drinking and know the conditions before jumping in,” he said.
“It’s everyone’s responsibility to do their part to keep themselves and others safe around water.
“We’ll provide the best possible emergency care when you need us. However, we’d prefer all Victorians to enjoy our beautiful waterways safely and without us.”