Overview
- The 51-year-old woman and her 17-year-old stepson launched from the Portarlington caravan park jetty about 3pm and were spotted around 6:20pm near Wyndham Harbour, more than 10km from where they set off.
- Victoria Police Air Wing guided water police to the pair after a multi-agency operation that included Life Saving Victoria and the Queenscliff Coast Guard.
- Neither was wearing a lifejacket; they clung to their paddleboards, were assessed with mild hypothermia, and did not require hospitalisation.
- Authorities cited choppy conditions with strong south-westerly winds up to about 35 knots and water near 17°C, which increased the risk of hypothermia.
- Police said six people were rescued in three incidents on Christmas Day, including three kayakers winched to safety near Corinella and a kayaker recovered at Lake King, and urged lifejackets, distress beacons and careful weather checks.