G-MW is urging visitors to stay safe at its lakes, dams and reservoirs these winter school holidays, warning that cold water poses serious risks even for strong swimmers.
G-MW water storage services general manager Jon McKeown said colder temperatures increased the risk of hypothermia, and fewer people around meant help could be harder to find.
“Cold water can be dangerous — even strong swimmers can quickly get into trouble,” Mr McKeown said.
“A life jacket buys you time if you go into shock.”
Before heading out, Mr McKeown urged visitors to tell someone their plans and expected return time, share a GPS location where possible, and carry a personal locator beacon given patchy phone reception at many storages.
Wearing a life jacket is a legal requirement, and Life Saving Victoria’s 2024-25 Victorian Drowning Report found that over the past decade, 79 per cent of boating-related drowning deaths involved someone not wearing one or wearing it incorrectly.
G-MW also advised visitors to check weather forecasts and water levels before arriving, and to turn back if conditions deteriorate.
More information is available at gmwater.com.au/storages and gmwater.com.au/watersmarts
6°C