Water safety
Top tips to stay safe in and around the water:
- Know the conditions. Know your limits.
- Only swim where permitted.
- Do not swim by yourself.
- Always wear a lifejacket when boating.
- Never swim near waterfalls.
- Do not jump off piers and jetties.
- Observe all safety signage and barriers.
Rock Fishing Safety
Rock fishing is a great way to enjoy the great outdoors, but it’s also risky. And tragically, several people drown each year after being swept off rocks.
A two-year trial of new laws that require rock fishers to wear a lifejacket at high-risk locations will commence on 1 March 2022.
Check the following park pages to see which sites are included:
Yallock-Bulluk Marine and Coastal Park
Mornington Peninsula National Park
Cape Shanck Lighthouse Reserve
This factsheet includes maps of the affected areas.
Find out more about the trial at the Victorian Fisheries Authority website.
Beaches
Rivers and lakes
Waterfalls
Waterfalls look beautiful and are very popular spots to visit, but it is not safe to swim under or near them. The water at the base of a waterfall can be deep and very cold and the force of the falling water can trap you underwater and cause difficulties for even very strong swimmers. Rocks around waterfalls are often wet and slippery so it is easy to slip and fall in the water or down a cliff, leading to serious injuries. There are often safety barriers around waterfalls – don’t climb over the barriers, they are there to keep you safe.
Piers and Jetties
Jumping and diving off piers and other structures is prohibited for public safety. Be sure to observe all safety signage and barriers. Don't assume that water under a pier or jetty will be deep enough to jump or dive into safely - it may be shallower than you think. Water depth under piers and jetties changes frequently due to the force of the tide and can create unexpected sand bars. There also could be hidden debris and obstacles in the water that you can’t see, or weren’t there last time. Do not assume it is safe to jump or dive in.
Jumping or diving into shallow water can lead to life-changing injuries and/or permanent disability.
Learn more
See more details in our Visitor safety tips in parks, or visit Life Saving Victoria’s Play it Safe by the Water website.