Extreme conditions at Sandridge Beach

A distressed resident rang me last night following a day of very high visitation at Sandridge Beach leading to illegal parking and large amounts of litter.

About 50 police attended the beach at about 9 pm following a stabbing. Police said that it was an inter-family feud that has been going on for some time. Here is the story as reported by the Herald Sun: http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/breaking-news/man-stabbed-as-family-feud-erupts-on-sandridge-beach/story-e6frf7jx-1225818293592

Live cross to Port Melbourne beach on Channel 10

Braved the heat to see Channel 10 record a a 'teaser' for this evening's 5 pm news at Port Melbourne beach.

They are also promoting the Australian beach tennis championships on this weekend - just at the Beacon Cove terminus of the 109, opposite Genesis gym.

It was so hot that the players were having to dip their feet in water in between takes.

What's the best treatment for jellyfish stings?

The advice below is taken from Lifesaving Victoria Circular 166:12:09 available at www.lifesavingvictoria.com.au/circulars

This jellyfish (Catostylus), seen in large numbers on our beaches this summer is not medically harmful and will only cause skin irritation. If stinging occurs on the face, or if there are any doubts, always seek medical assistance.


Lifesaving Victoria recommends:


wash sting area with saltwater to remove any stinger cells still on the skin and not visible to the naked eye and place ice on the area for a maximum of 20 minutes to assist in reducing pain.

Facts:

• stinger cells are too small to be seen with the eye and can remain on the skin after the tentacles have been removed
• wash the area with salwater to remove these cells as much as possible, as freshwater can actually make the stinging cells release more toxin
  
  

Adding interest to the street

The Council encourages larger new developments to incorporate urban art.

I am quite taken with this example in Princes St (near Swallow St), Port Melbourne. The motif of leaves on the door has been picked up as shadows on the entrance paving.

Next time you go past, let me know what you think of it.

Action taken on errant jetskis

Checked in with the lifesavers at Sandridge this afternoon to find out how they had gone with the hot day.

Water Police had been called - and attended - because two jetskiers were persistently riding at speed among a high concentration of swimmers. This picture was taken after the police visit.

The area between the groyne (Beacon Cove end) and Todd Rd is a no boating zone, so there should not be any jetskis in this area at any time.

Beautiful sight to start the day

At least five dolphins were sighted between Port Melbourne Life Saving Club and Lagoon Pier at 7 am this morning about 75 m off shore.

Jetskis

Jetskis or Personal Watercraft (PWC's) need to be licensed through Marine Safety Victoria.

Jetski operators are supposed to

• keep 50 m from swimmers, vessels (including other PWC's)
• if within this distance, to ride at 5 knots.

The blood alocohol limit is the same as for driving ie a limit of zero applies to those under 21 and their supervisor, and a .05 blood alcohol limit applies to those over 21.

Parks Victoria is the waterway manager for Port Phillip Bay and determines the zones where jetskis are permitted. The boating zones have been reviewed and revised zones will be in place for the summer of 20010/11.
If you think jetski operators are putting swimmers at risk through not complying with these requirement, contact Victoria Police.