Ryan Middlebrook from Werribee takes a jump. 74963 Picture: JOE MASTROIANNI
By Vanessa Chircop
LIFEguards are hoping they will have an incident free year this summer and are urging people to play it safe particularly around Altona pier.
Altona lifeguard Justin Sardelic remembers all too well an incident at Altona Pier two summers ago, that left a man with serious spinal injuries.
“He jumped off the pier neck-first and hit a trolley damaging three discs in his neck,” he said.
In more than 13 years patrolling Altona beach Justin said it was one of the worst beach accidents he had ever had to perform a rescue for.
Diving from piers and jetties is highly dangerous, especially on bays like Altona and Williamstown, where tidal and sand movements constantly change the water depths and submerged debris can pose an unexpected hazard.
Justin is urging all residents and visitors to Hobsons Bay beaches not to jump or dive off piers no matter how deep you think it looks.
“Most people jump off at low tide – they don’t realise how shallow it gets,” he said.
In his years patrolling the beach Justin has seen several accidents at the pier resulting in dislocated knees, hand and spinal injuries.
Parks Victoria has also issued a warning to all beach goers to avoid jumping or diving from piers and jetties. Parks Victoria Chief Ranger, Graeme Davis said parents especially should be vigilant to ensure their children are aware of the dangers of jumping and diving from piers.
“The safety of swimmers who continue to dive from piers despite the clear ‘no diving’ signage is of great concern to Parks Victoria,” Mr Davis said.
“There are much safer places than piers to enter the water to swim and enjoy the beach.
“The last thing anyone wants to hear is a story of a fun day by the bay resulting in a severe injury or even worse – loss of life.”
