Every summer I join the thousands of volunteer surf lifesavers decked out in lurid yellow and red and take part in patrols of what is generally a fairly safe beach to swim at. But even Apollo Bay beach can be dangerous in certain conditions – and adding alcohol into the mix is diabolical. So far we’ve had 12 drownings in Victoria this summer, and 50 nationally. And this is despite the attempts from various organisations to educate people about safe water use.

I am astounded at how many people use the flags as a free babysitting service, lulled into a false sense of security. Credit:Daniel Munoz

Naturally many people choose to increase their safety by swimming between the flags, making the most of having trained help on hand if trouble arises. However, I am astounded at how many people use the flags as a free babysitting service, lulled into a false sense of security.

No lifeguard wants anyone to drown, least of all on their watch, but the flags are no guarantee: you are your child’s primary lifeguard. Last summer I watched a mother plonk her preschool age child into dumpy "between the flags" surf and then walk 20 metres away, lie down on her towel and pick up her book. This is not an unusual occurrence. We had (polite) words and she subsequently thoroughly enjoyed her quality time in the water with her child.

At other times, we watch people who are clearly going for their first ocean swim of the season head straight out from shore (instead of across, which is a much safer option) until they are no more than a tiny speck bobbing among the waves, and that’s using binoculars.