St Kilda Boat Sales - Safety Warning for Piers & Jetties
11 December 2009
Safety Warning for Piers & Jetties
Parks Victoria is urging the public not to jump or dive from piers and jetties as hotter weather draws increasing numbers of people to Victoria’s bays and waterways. “Diving from piers is highly dangerous, especially on the bays, where varying tidal and sand movements constantly change the water depths and submerged debris can pose an unexpected hazard”, said Parks Victoria Chief Ranger, Graeme Davis.
Every year a number of people are seriously injured or sometimes die as a result of injuries caused by jumping 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”, said Mr Davis. Parks Victoria has in place clear ‘no diving’ signs on all its piers across Port Phillip and Western Port.
Parents should be especially vigilant and ensure their children are aware that jumping off piers is not a safe way to enjoy the water. Mr Davis continued, “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” Not only is the practice of jumping or diving off piers hazardous to those engaged in the activity, it also puts at risk boat operators attempting to berth and disembark passengers.
Parks Victoria wants to encourage people to think carefully about their safety before choosing a location for swimming. There are safer places than piers to enter the water to swim and enjoy the beach.
For more information about the piers and jetties around Port Phillip call Parks Victoria on 13 1963 or visit our website at www.parkweb.vic.gov.au
This story reprinted from Shipmate News.
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