CENTRAL Victorians have been urged to watch their health, and to stay fire and water safe as a heatwave hits the state.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Fire danger is listed as very high across central Victoria on Saturday and Sunday, rising to severe on Monday.
Temperatures in Bendigo are expected to hit 36 on Saturday, 40 on Sunday and 42 on Monday.
Other news:
A water safety message came after five people drowned in the past seven days in Victoria.
Livesaving Victoria spokesperson Bernadette Matthews urged people to chose swimming spots within their capabilities such as patrolled beaches and public swimming pools.
Dr Matthews warned many Victorians would have lost fitness during the state's protracted COVID-19 lockdowns, while tens of thousands of children missed swimming lessons.
She said children under five should always be within arms reach in the water, while those under 10 should be in sight. Just a few centimetres of water and 20 seconds could be enough for a child to drown, Dr Matthews said.
Victorians have also been urged to be on the alert for heat-related illness, which kills more Australians than any other natural disaster.
Bureau of Meteorology spokesperson Diana Eadie said hot nights expected over the weekend, particularly on Sunday, meant it was not just another hot day.
Ms Eadie said people's bodies would not have a chance to recover between hot days because of the high nighttime temperatures.
Symptoms such as confusion, seizure, stopped sweating and unconsciousness can all signal heat stroke, fatal in up to 80 per cent of cases. In this situation call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
Pale complexion, rapid heart rate, cramps, weakness dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting and fainting can all be symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
In the case of heat stroke go to a cool area and lie down, drink cool water if not vomiting, remove outer clothes, wet skin with cool water or cloths and see a doctor.
In case of heat stroke after calling an ambulance take the person to a cool area, lay them down, remove clothing, wet skin with water and fan continuously. Put an unconscious person on their side and clear their airway.
The Cancer Council of Victoria has also urged people to use clothing, hats, shade, sunglasses and sunscreen to battle the effects of UV light on their skin.
Bendigo V/Line trains will run to a partial extreme heat timetable on Saturday and a full extreme heat timetable on Sunday and Monday.
V/Line has warned travellers to expect a longer journey, as the heat meant it reduced train speed.
More at: vline.com.au/
If someone you know is unwell call Nurse on Call on 1300 606 024 or contact your doctor.
If life is in danger call Triple Zero (000).
Have you signed up to the Bendigo Advertiser's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in central Victoria.