NEWS DESK
Stepping up to summer safety MORNINGTON Peninsula police and the water police are stepping up their campaign to make our bays safer and reduce the number of marine safety incidents this summer. Acting Sergeant Steve Drew said “local police attended an increased number of drownings or near drownings last summer with many involving visitors to the area who didn’t appear to have a full understanding or appreciation of how treacherous the water can be on our local back-beaches. “This is particularly so on days with off-shore northerly winds and two-plus-metre swells, when the ocean looks completely flat between sets of
waves. “Even on days with small swells, larger ‘double-up’ waves are very common. They are good for the local surfers, but very dangerous for anyone walking along the edge of the rocks.” Acting Sergeant Drew warns parents not to drop their guard on beaches. “Please ensure you’re actively supervising your children in any water at all times,” he said. “Don’t expect anyone else to watch over your kids, and don’t get distracted using your mobile phones or chatting to others.” Leading Senior Constable Steve Carter, from the Water Police, advises
boat owners that those aged 10 and under on boats “must be wearing their lifejackets at all times”. “Water police will be working hard this summer to ensure all boat users are complying with all safety requirements,” he said. “I strongly recommend boaters to familiarise themselves with the Victorian Recreational Boating Safety Handbook, which is free and also online.”
Summer safety: Leading Senior Constable Stephen Carter and Acting Sergeant Steve Drew. Picture: Gary Sissons
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Annual General Meeting & Community Forum
Please join us at our Annual General Meeting and Community Forum The 2019 AGM and Community Forum is an opportunity for everyone to provide feedback on our services and identify priorities for change. Our Board, senior staff and community members will attend, as we celebrate the achievements of the last year, invite feedback, comments and suggestions and look ahead to our exciting future. WHEN: Tuesday, 12 November 2019 TIME: 1.45pm for a 2.00pm start The meeting will conclude at 3.30pm, followed by refreshments WHERE: Gunnamatta Room, Mornington Racecourse 320 Racecourse Road, Mornington FOR MORE INFORMATION please call Jenni on 03 9788 1501 or email corporate.relations@phcn.vic.gov.au
2019 PAGE 6
Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News
6 November 2019