Kayaker Drowns in Tragic Boxing Day Incident on Mornington Peninsula
A kayaker tragically drowned at Balnarring Beach, prompting police investigations into the incident and rising drowning statistics in Australia.
Balnarring Beach, Victoria, Melbourne, Drowning, Kayaking, Emergency Services
Balnarring Beach: A kayaker lost his life after falling into the water at a beautiful spot on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula. It happened around 1pm on Thursday, about 80km south of Melbourne.
Witnesses say he fell out of his kayak, and despite being pulled from the water by bystanders, he couldn’t be revived. It’s such a heartbreaking situation.
Police are working on a report for the coroner, and they haven’t officially identified the man yet. This incident follows another serious water accident in the state on Boxing Day.
Earlier that day, a man was rescued from a creek in Bright, northeast of Melbourne, and he was flown to the hospital with life-threatening injuries. Investigations are ongoing.
It’s alarming to see the rise in drownings this year. Royal Life Saving Australia reported 14 deaths in just the first three weeks of summer, which is higher than last year.
The current drowning rate is 20% above the five-year average. Most victims are men, and many weren’t born in Australia. Rivers and creeks are particularly dangerous, accounting for a quarter of all drownings, while about 20% happen at beaches.