Bass Coast Shire Council is deeply concerned about the future of beach lifeguard patrols on Bass Coast beaches and is calling on the Victorian Government and Life Saving Victoria (LSV) to guarantee their continuation.
Council currently contributes $98,082 in 2024-25 towards funded patrols, in partnership with Phillip Island Nature Parks. Despite this, Council has been asked to increase its contribution to over $260,000 (an increase of more than 160%) with limited consultation and outside the normal budget cycle.
This drastic increase would not only strain Council's budget resources but also put lives at risk.
During the 2023-24 summer, 6 lives were tragically lost to drowning in Bass Coast, including four members of one family. While our beaches are among Victoria's most beautiful, they are also some of the most dangerous, with hidden risks that even experienced swimmers can underestimate.
In the 2023-24 Life Saving Victoria Drowning Report, Bass Coast ranked as the second-highest local government area in Victoria for drowning fatality risk. The report identified a 96% likelihood of a fatal drowning occurring in any given year.
From early November, volunteers patrol at local Surf Life Saving Clubs every weekend and public holiday until Easter Monday. From mid-November until mid-February, LSV provides a paid lifeguard service during the week at 4 locations.
Our community already volunteers their services on all weekends and public holidays. Asking them to carry even more responsibility through increased local funding is unfair and unsustainable.
The bottom line, at the moment, is that LSV is indicating that, without increased contribution, they will scale back services from last year. This is unacceptable and creates significant risk for locals and visitors who deserve safe access to our beaches.
"We have been loud and clear in our opposition to the Emergency Services Volunteer Fund (ESVF), which is already taking tens of millions of dollars from Bass Coast residents. Add to that the 7% tax on nearly 2,000 short-stay rentals in Bass Coast, it's clear our community is paying its share and more," said Bass Coast Mayor, Cr Rochelle Halstead.
"Asking councils to fund beach lifeguards is unfair and unsustainable, and it's disappointing to receive this request. These important services are relied upon by thousands of visitors every summer from across Victoria and the world, they deserve the same protection and security as when they rely on the CFA or SES."
Council will continue to advocate strongly alongside other coastal councils, the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) and government leaders to deliver a sustainable funding model so that every beachgoer, resident or visitor can enjoy our coastline safely.
