The markers resemble large street signs and have white text on a green background. They have been installed at 27 sites including public boat ramps and commercial caravan park ramps.

Each sign has a unique code made up of three letters and three numbers, which 000 callers can quote during an emergency situation.

The alphanumeric code is linked to the Emergency Services Telecommunications Authority (ESTA) database, providing emergency services with information about the location of the incident and how best to get there.

Eppalock Fire Brigades Group’s David Cleator said the markers would save lives.

“People come here from Melbourne to enjoy Eppalock but they don’t always have an understanding of the lake, making it hard to tell 000 operators how to find them in the event of an emergency,” he said.

Visitors are encouraged to take note of the nearest code while on or around the lake.

Mr Cleator said emergencies at Lake Eppalock could range from fires to accidents or someone suffering a heart attack while fishing.

“We’ve had more than a dozen boat fires in the past 10 years and these can be very serious,” he said.

The emergency marker project at Lake Eppalock was installed by Goulburn-Murray Water and funded by Transport for Victoria’s Boating Safety and Facilities.

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