Waterways Safety

The Barwon Heads Jetty is a central part of our coastal community. As coastal managers, we want to ensure everyone can enjoy our waterways safely.

Understand the Dynamic Environment

Know the facts before you jump into the Barwon River at Barwon Heads from the Public Jetty, William Buckley Pedestrian Bridge or even a bouy:

  • Water depths around the jetty vary dramatically – what’s deep enough one day might be a sandbar the next.
  • The jetty sits alongside an active boating channel that guides vessels in and out of the Heads.
  • Tidal movements can create powerful currents that flow straight out to sea, even the strongest swimmers are at risk.
Bridge jumping kids_Geelong Advertiser
Jumping into the water from a bridge can lead to serious injury. Photo credit: Alan Barber. Source: Geelong Advertiser

Make Informed Choices

While we understand the appeal of cooling off in our beautiful waterways, jumping from structures like the jetty puts you at risk of serious injury. Natural waterways are dynamic environments that change daily with tides, currents and sand movement.

Our waterways are carefully managed to ensure safe passage for all vessels. As the designated manager of the Local Port of Barwon Heads, we maintain a network of 32 navigation aids that guide vessels safely through our waters. These structures – both floating buoys and fixed beacons – are essential maritime safety equipment. They are not designed for recreational use, and climbing or jumping from them is both dangerous and illegal under maritime law.

The Barwon River is monitored by the Victorian Water Police for boating safety. If on a vessel, please comply with the 5 knot speed limit

Low tide at Main Jetty in Barwon Heads. Photo credit AW maritime
High sand banks drift with the tides. At high tide this sand bank is invisible from above at Main Jetty. Photo credit: AW Maritime

Enjoying Our Waters

We encourage you to:

  • Swim at our patrolled beaches
  • Use designated swimming areas away from boating channels
  • Be aware of changing conditions and tides
  • Look out for each other and set a positive example for younger community members
  • Respect maritime safety equipment that keeps our boating community safe
A green navigation buoy in the Barwon River
It is illegal to climb on navigational aids, including this beacon
A red Port Buoy in the Barwon River
It is illegal to climb on navigational aids, including buoys

Working Together

The safety of our community and visitors is paramount. By making informed choices about where and how we enjoy our coastal environment, we can all help protect what makes our region special.

 

For more information about safe swimming locations or boating regulations, contact us: office@barwoncoast.com.au