Signage Trial for Victoria’s Most Dangerous Beaches

This summer, we’re trialing high-impact water safety signage at some of Victoria’s most dangerous beaches.  

The Coastal Safety Signage Project aims to reduce drowning risks by clearly warning visitors about life-threatening hazards. 

Research undertaken at Cowes, the Mornington Peninsula and other locations with members of the public indicated that a sign showing an image of a man in distress in the water and a sign depicting a symbol similar to the fire danger rating, alongside some translated warnings and symbols were the most impactful of those signs tested.  

These sign designs have since been installed at patrolled and unpatrolled high-risk beaches on the Bass Coast, including Phillip Island, and the Mornington Peninsula. 

The trial includes beaches with a history of tragic incidents: 

• Gunnamatta Beach
• Rye 16th Beach
• Mills Beach
• Woolamai Surf Beach/Anzacs
• Kilcunda Beach
• Forrest Caves Beach 

Thank you to all the communities lifesaving clubs, and water safety experts for your input in developing the signage which aims to complement existing safety measures and will be monitored for effectiveness. 

Together, we can make Victoria’s beaches safer for everyone.