With the summer holidays approaching, people planning to head out on the water are being urged to make safety a priority.
Goulburn-Murray Water’s (GMW) lakes, dams, and reservoirs often attract more than 500,000 visitors during the summer holidays, and more than 100,000 between Christmas and New Year’s Day alone.
GMW Water Storage Services general manager Alan Shea encouraged people heading out onto the water to be mindful of those around them.
“During the warmer months, people should be aware that there will be a lot more swimmers and vessels around than usual,” he said.
“There is a five-knot limit at all our water storages for boaters within 50 metres of other vessels, navigation aids, swimmers and fixed or floating structures.
“It is crucial people observe these limits for their own safety and the safety of those around them, particularly during peak periods such as the summer holidays.”
Several dry months, along with high irrigation demand, have seen the water levels of many GMW storages drop in recent months.
In the past year, Waranga Basin has fallen by 47 per cent of its full capacity, while Hume Dam has dropped 42 per cent, Cairn Curran 27 per cent, and Lake Eppalock and Lake Eildon 14 per cent.
Mr Shea said boaters should account for these changes.
“When water levels drop, the nature of a waterway changes,” he said.
“Areas that were deep enough to boat at high speeds in previous months may now be much shallower, and hazards that were well below the surface may now be just below the waterline.
“If it has been several months since someone last visited a storage, they should take it a bit slower when they are out on the water.”
More information on water safety can be found on GMW's Recreation webpage
There are also a range of resources to help ensure people’s trips on the water are safe on Safe Transport Victoria's website