As a last blast of summer heat hits the state this long weekend,holidaying Victorians are being warned to be careful in the water after a spate of drownings over the warmer months.
Victorians are expected to flock to beaches and rivers over the four-day Easter weekend,withtemperatures in Melbourne expected to hit the high 20s, before dropping again on Monday.
The mercury is also expected to crack 30 in parts of the state's north and west,where rivers are swimming hotspots.
New research from Royal Life Saving Australia shows 210 Australians drowned on public holidays over the past 15 years
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A Lifesaving Victoria spokesman said this meant Australians who drowned were twice as likely to do so on public holidays.
The research also showed the Murray River,popular with weekend campers,was the leading black spot for river drownings.
"It's important that people are always prepared for,and aware of,conditions;understand the dangers of inland waterways;always check for patrol locations;and swim between the red and yellow flags at the beach,"the spokesman said.
The warning comes as a man's body was found off Frankston Pier early Thursday morning,although details of the death are still unknown.