Appreciating Victoria's coastline
Australians who love the water are fortunate that most major cities in the country are located on or near the coast.
There are many ways to enjoy the ocean all year round including surfing, swimming, fishing and so many more, depending what your particular interests are.
But with recent oil spills in the Gulf of Mexico and the New Zealand shore featuring prominently in the headlines, it is a reminder to appreciate the ocean with environmentally responsible actions.
If you are seeking residential property near the coast, you may be interested in picking up some sea-safe tips.
One way to enjoy the water and simultaneously learn how to protect it is through the Summer by the Sea program, conducted in Victoria.
This season's program recently ended, reporting 10,000 participants this year.
Participating volunteers learned about Victoria's unique eco-systems while enjoying a variety of activities including kayaking and snorkeling.
Sponsored by the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE), the program has been running for 18 years.
Coastcare state coordinator Amanda Cornish explained that the event was growing more popular and this year featured "300 scheduled activities across 80 locations along Victoria’s 2,000 km coastline".
