Councils working together for safer beaches

Published on 06 March 2025

Image caption: Tootgarook Ward Cr Cam Williams, Benbenjie Ward Cr Max Patton and Nepean Ward Cr Andrea Allen at the launch.

Mornington Peninsula has joined forces with Bass Coast Shire, Casey, Cardinia, and Greater Dandenong Councils to address the high number of non-fatal and fatal drownings in our regions. This collaborative effort, involving Life Saving Victoria, Belgravia Leisure, and local community group The Back Beach Collective, aims to tackle the alarming drowning rates affecting local residents and visitors.  

Representatives from the Councils, Life Saving Victoria, Belgravia Leisure and The Back Beach Collective came together to launch the brand new Water Safety Framework at Portsea Surf Life Saving Club on Wednesday 5 March. Nepean Ward Councillor Andrea Allen addressed the crowd and acknowledged the power of Councils coming together to advocate for safer beaches and better infrastructure and the importance of community education to reduce drowning incidents on our beaches and inland waterways.   

The Framework provides an overview of drowning incidents in the region over the past decade and will guide water safety and drowning prevention efforts to address key trends and risk factors. 

Both Mornington Peninsula and Bass Coast are recognised as drowning blackspots in Victoria - with alarming statistics. On the Mornington Peninsula, there is a 99 per cent likelihood of a drowning death every year, with a 39 per cent chance that it will involve a local resident. Tragically, between 2014 – 2024 there were 54 drownings on the Mornington Peninsula – that's nine times the Victoria average!  

Learn more about the Water Safety Framework and our commitment to keeping our community safe in and around the water at mornpen.vic.gov.au//watersafety

Quotes attributable to Mayor Councillor Anthony Marsh: 

“We want to reduce drowning incidents and water related accidents. The Cross Council Collaborative’s framework document has been endorsed by Life Saving Victoria.  

“To be safe around the water, I encourage all residents and visitors to install the Beach Safe app on their smart phone and check the conditions before you swim.”