Paddleboarders Rescued After Christmas Day Drift

A perilous Christmas Day rescue operation unfolded west of Geelong, Victoria, when a 51-year-old woman and her 17-year-old stepson were found adrift in open waters. Having launched their paddleboards in calmer conditions, they were soon swept over 10km offshore as the weather deteriorated. Rescue services were alerted when the pair failed to return by 5pm, prompting a multi-agency search involving police, aerial units, and coastguard.

The pair, who were not wearing lifejackets, were located by a rescue helicopter after being afloat for approximately three hours. Officials noted that their survival was significantly aided by the advanced tracking technology on board the emergency aircraft. Water Police Acting Senior Sergeant Michael Quirk stated that the individuals would have "almost certainly died" had they drifted further from their boards.

In separate incidents on the same day, a mother and her two daughters were rescued near Corinella after encountering difficulties while retrieving a kayak. Another man was also safely recovered on Lake King in Paynesville after his kayak rolled. These events underscore the unpredictable nature of water activities and the critical importance of swift rescue responses during the holiday season.