People planning to visit northern Victoria’s lakes, dams and reservoirs during the school holidays are being urged to be cautious of changed conditions.
Dry weather combined with high irrigation demand means that levels at many of Goulburn-Murray Water’s (GMW) water storages have dropped significantly in recent months.
Levels at Lake Eildon and Lake Eppalock have both fallen more than 15 per cent in the past four months alone.
GMW Water Storage Services general manager Leonie Bourke said this meant there were new hazards for boaters to be aware of.
“People heading out on the water may find conditions are quite different to the last time they visited, even if that was as recent as the summer,” she said.
“With water levels dropping, there will be various hazards such as trees and sandbars that are now closer to the surface. These hazards will not always be immediately visible to boaters and water skiers, making it particularly important people navigate with caution.”
During the 2024 autumn school holidays, approximately 177,000 people visited GMW’s storages.
While visitation is therefore likely to remain high, there may have less people around than during the peak summer period.
Ms Bourke said this was another change that should factor into people’s plans.
“When there are fewer people on the water it is less likely someone will be nearby if an incident occurs,” she said.
“Before heading off, people should tell someone specifically where they are headed and when they plan to return.
“Having the right equipment is also important. Life jackets are essential, and personal location beacons can also be very useful when something goes wrong.”
A distress beacon proved vital to the rescue of four boaters at Dartmouth in February, as GMW and police were able to locate the boaters because of the beacon after they had capsized.
People can find more information on boating safety by heading to GMW’s Recreation webpage