Lake Eppalock will have emergency markers installed around its perimeter, in a move to improve safety for unfamiliar visitors to the water body.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The markers, organised via the Emergency Services Telecommunications Authority (ESTA), mean that in an emergency situation the 000 caller can quote a unique alphanumeric code made up of three letters and three numbers which appear on the emergency marker signage.
“This code is linked to our database which helps to quickly specify the location, GPS coordinates, road access route or navigational data, all of which assists the speedy dispatch of emergency services,” ESTA markers manager Jeff Adair said.
The markers are due to be installed at 26 locations around Lake Eppalock including public boat ramps, commercial caravan park boat ramps, some foreshore areas near club sites and strategic perimeter locations. They will be in place by the 2018-19 summer season.
“These new markers around the perimeter of the lake will make a big difference to assist recreational boaters in the event of an emergency,” Goulburn-Murray Water (GMW) Recreation and Land Operations Officer Chris Braden said.
The markers are funded through the Victorian Government’s Boating Safety and Facilities Program and jointly initiated by Region 2 of the Country Fire Authority and GMW.
Victoria has 175 locations served by the marker program, for example Mount Buller has them installed, as does the Castlemaine to Maldon rail trail.
