Chelsea • Mordialloc • Mentone
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Editor: Neil Walker 0431 932 041 Journalists: Stephen Taylor, Neil Walker 5973 6424 Photographers: Gary Sissons, Yanni Advertising Sales: Anton Hoffman 0411 119 379 Real Estate Account Manager: Jason Richardson 0421 190 318 Production and graphic design: Maria Mirabella, Marcus Pettifer Group Editor: Keith Platt Publisher: Cameron McCullough REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS: Peter McCullough, Stuart McCullough, Andrew Hurst ADDRESS: Mornington Peninsula News Group PO Box 588 Hastings 3915 Email: team@baysidenews.com.au Web: baysidenews.com.au DEADLINE FOR NEXT ISSUE: 5PM ON MONDAY 15 FEBRUARY NEXT ISSUE PUBLICATION: WEDNESDAY 17 FEBRUARY 2016
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NEWS DESK
Rips warning in wake of drownings LIFE Saving Victoria is warning the public about the dangers of rip currents following three fatal drownings and a number of hospitalisations following non-fatal drownings this year. A 27-year-old man and a 34-year-old woman died after getting caught in a knee-deep rip current at Cape Woolamai on Sunday 10 January, while a 27-year-old man lost his life at Gunnamatta on Sunday 24 January. There have been 23 reported drowning deaths in Victoria this financial year, 13 of those were in coastal waters which is five more than the previous five year average of eight. Since July, 78 per cent of rescues performed by lifesavers and lifeguards have been outside the patrol flags. Life Saving Victoria used dye in a rip at Gunnamatta to show the public just how dangerous rips can be. The exercise was also designed to educate beachgoers on how to identify a rip, as well as escape one. Life Saving Victoria spokesman Paul Shannon said rips can occur at all beach locations, including bays. “Rip currents are the top hazard on Australian beaches and are responsible for more than 20 drowning deaths on average per year,’’ Mr Shannon said. “Rip currents often lead to drowning when swimmers attempt to fight the current trying to swim directly back to the shoreline, become exhausted and begin to panic. “Some key signs to spot a rip include deeper darker water, fewer breaking waves, sandy coloured water extending beyond the surf zone and debris or seaweed.’’ He said if you are caught in a rip current, stay calm and conserve your energy. “We suggest you raise an arm, call out to seek help and either float with the current or swim parallel to the beach. Reassess the situation – if what you’re doing isn’t working, try another option in your attempt to return to shore,’’ Mr Shannon said.
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Swim safe: Be wary of rips and swim between the flags so lifesavers can quickly see if help is needed. Picture: Gary Sissons
WHAT’S NEW...
Searoad Ferries chosen to host special event for Melbourne Food & Wine Festival
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Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News 10 February 2016
MAKEOVER plans are underway to turn the Mornington Peninsula’s car and passenger ferry into a floating food market! In a win for local tourism and the Peninsula’s Food and Wine industries, Searoad Ferries has been chosen to take part in the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival next month. The Mornington Peninsula is home to ‘worldclass’ produce and this event invites passengers to cruise the bay under the stars while enjoying fine local fare from food stalls and trucks, listen to great local musicians and mingle with the makers. Searoad Ferries is focusing the event on the Peninsula and the Bay to link with the theme for this year’s festival ‘Sense of Place’. The unique experience aims to attract visitors and residents
to sail a bespoke route along the Mornington Peninsula Coastline and indulge in the regions quality food and beverages. Among the locals set to show off their delights will be Green Olive, Crittenden Estate, Blue Mini Cafe, Stillwater at Crittenden and Mornington Peninsula Brewery. Tickets for the event are now available priced at $85 per person, which includes a drink on arrival, a sample plate and the ferry cruise. Passengers coming from the Mornington Peninsula can board the ferry at 7.45pm at Sorrento. The ferry will return to Sorrento, with passengers disembarking by 10.15pm. For more information and to book, visit www. searoad.com.au/mfwf