Dry weather combined with high irrigation demand means levels at many Goulburn-Murray Water’s water storages have dropped significantly, with both Lake Eildon and Lake Eppalock having fallen more than 15 per cent in the last four months.
G-MW Water Storage Services general manager Leonie Bourke warned of emerging hazards for boaters.
“People heading out on the water may find conditions are quite different to the last time they visited, even if that was as recent as the summer,” she said.
“With water levels dropping, there will be various hazards such as trees and sandbars that are now closer to the surface.
“These hazards will not always be immediately visible to boaters and water skiers, making it particularly important people navigate with caution.”
Although about 177,000 people visited G-MW’s storages during the 2024 autumn school holidays, visitor numbers are expected to be lower than during peak summer periods.
“When there are fewer people on the water, it is less likely someone will be nearby if an incident occurs,” Ms Bourke said.
“Before heading off, people should tell someone specifically where they are headed and when they plan to return.
“Having the right equipment is also important. Life jackets are essential, and personal location beacons can also be very useful when something goes wrong.”
The importance of safety equipment was highlighted in February when a distress beacon helped G-MW and police locate and rescue four capsized boaters at Dartmouth.
More information about boating safety is available at gmwater.com.au/recreation
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