News by Jack Paynter 20th Jan 2021 11:44 AM Victoria has already experienced its worst summer of drowning deaths after a horror week in the state s waterways. Forty people have drowned in Victorian waters since July 1, the state s worst year on record and already more than the 34 fatal drownings last financial year. Five people have drowned in Victoria in the past seven days, which has prompted authorities to issue an urgent water safety message ahead of warmer temperatures across the Australia Day long weekend. Life Saving Victoria has also extended its service provisions in response to the spate of recent tragedies, with lifesaving capabilities at 18 sites to be extended for an extra four weeks following Australia Day and an expansion of watercraft rescue services.
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Victorians have been warned to stay safe over the Australia Day long weekend as temperatures soar and the state marks its worst summer drowning toll on record.
A man in his 40s is the latest to die in Victorian waters after he, a woman and a teenage boy were thrown out of their tinnie off Darriman, in Victoria s east, in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
Terry Chandler drowned after his tinnie capsized at a beach in East Gippsland.
Credit:Nine News
The woman and teen were able to make it to shore, but 42-year-old Terry Chandler did not. He was found by the police air wing in waters off McLoughlins Beach, about 60 kilometres from Traralgon, but was unable to be revived.