Aussies 'twice as likely to drown on public holidays', new research reveals
As a last blast of summer hits the state this long weekend, holidaying Victorians are being warned to be careful in the water after a spate of drownings over the warmer months.
Victorians are expected to flock to beaches and rivers over the four-day Easter weekend, with temperatures in Melbourne expected to hit the high 20s, before dropping again on Monday.
The mercury is also expected to crack 30 in parts of the state's north and west, where rivers are swimming hotspots.
A Lifesaving Victoria spokesman said public holidays were danger periods.
"New research from Royal Life Saving Australia says that Australians are twice as likely to drown on public holidays," the spokesman said.
"It's important that people are always prepared for, and aware of, conditions; understand the dangers of inland waterways; always check for patrol locations; and swim between the red and yellow flags at the beach."
The warning comes as a man's body was found off Frankston Pier early Thursday morning, although details of the death are still unknown.
Paramedics were called to the pier about 12.50am, and his body was found about 40 minutes later.
The latest Victorian figures show there were 45 reported fatal drownings from July 1 last year to Sunday. This was 11 more than the 10-year average.
Easter Monday will be the last day that Victorian beaches are patrolled until the season reopens in early November.