Goya Dmytryshchak
A search resumed on Monday for a woman who went missing in the water near Altona Beach.
The 20-year-old Ashwood woman has been missing since Saturday morning.
She was in the water with others and is understood to have been wearing a weight belt with a wetsuit.
The water surrounding Altona and Seaholme is popular for swimmers, boaters, fishers and divers.
The alarm was raised about 11.15am on Saturday after she was noticed missing.
Victoria Police and Life Saving Victoria helicopters scoured the water over Altona and Seaholme on Saturday and into the night, before resuming on Sunday.
Distressed family members and friends arrived at Altona on Saturday and Sunday.
The incident comes as Victoria marked its worst period for drownings with 42 lives lost since July last year.
LSV state agency commander Kane Treloar said the woman was last seen about 100 metres from shore and about 400 metres outside the flagged zone at Altona beach.
“LSV lifeguards and volunteer lifesavers, our Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter service, our drone service, two of our jet ski services and two inflatable rescue boats from Altona Lifesaving Club have supported the search efforts so far,” he said.
“Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the missing woman during what is no doubt an extremely distressing time.
“After a horror year in Victorian waters in which we’ve already seen 42 confirmed fatal drownings since 1 July, we’re urging people to make safety their number one priority around water.
“If you’re heading to the coastline or waterways, make sure you’re checking the weather conditions and planning before you go.
“This means making sure you’re heading to patrolled locations at patrolled times and swimming between the red and yellow flags.”
Mr Treloar said divers and snorkellers should ensure they always headed out with and stayed with a mate.
“Don’t head out if you’re feeling unwell, and always dive within your limits,” he said.
“Conditions can change in an instant, which is why it’s so important to always stay in control in the water.
“We want people to be able to enjoy Victoria’s beautiful waterways, but you need to do it safely for your own sake and for your family’s sake.”
