Failure to consider weather conditions led to the rescue of eight secondary students in a kayaking incident off the Surf Coast in May, authorities have found.
Transport Safety Victoria’s David Hourigan said the students were lucky to survive.
“The only things lost were four double kayaks and eight paddles but it could have been much worse,” he said.
Marine Safety Victoria released a report on the incident, finding that organisers failed to heed warnings of strong wind and high seas.
Luckily off-duty surf lifesavers were at the beach when the students lost control of the kayaks, Mr Hourigan said.
“I commend the life savers for their quick thinking and quick acting that led to a very good outcome from what was potentially the very opposite.”
Maritime Safety’s Peter Corcoran said the authority would assist the Education and Training Department with a review of its aquatic activity guidelines.
“Kayaking and canoeing are becoming very popular, so it’s important that everyone involved reads this report and learns the lessons,” he said.
