Feasibility of Identifying Family Friendly Beaches along Victoria's Coastline

Summary

Sport and Recreation Victoria (SRV) commissioned Monash University Accident Research Centre (MUARC) to investigate the feasibility of developing a system to identify Family Friendly Beaches in Victoria. Within the framework of the Safer and Improved Aquatic Recreation Program, SRV sought to enhance the safety of recreational beach use by providing families with a means of identifying a suitable beach destination.

The study aimed to identify the nature and level of hazard at Victorian beaches and to draw on the knowledge and expertise of key stakeholders to determine the feasibility of identifying beaches that were suitable for family recreation. To address these issues a working group was established and additional stakeholder consultation was undertaken. Reviews of local, national and international literature and electronic resources were conducted. Victorian beach related injury and incident data from several sources were also analysed.

Broad support was identified for the development of a beach classification or information strategy that would be of benefit to beach users, and a marked preference was shown for a strategy that served the needs of both beach users and beach managers.

The results of consultation indicated some concerns about identifying beaches as "family friendly". A framework for a beach classification /information strategy was proposed to meet the needs of the broader community.

A number of hazards at Victorian beaches were identified, the main ones being submersion in water, falls, collisions with objects or people, animal related injuries and sun exposure.

Criminal activity was also identified as a hazard at beaches. Corresponding hazard prevention strategies were identified.

A review of existing beach information strategies identified several possible directions with regards to the development of resources suitable for the use of beach visitors.

The study also identified some limitations relating to the availability of suitable data to inform the development of beach safety strategies and recommendations were made to address these problems.

The observed level of commitment to achieving a positive outcome following from this study indicated the need to convene a forum of key stakeholders to take forward the processes begun and to develop and implement an appropriate strategy.