Heat health alert

The Department of Health and Human Services has issued a Heat Health Alert for East Gippsland tomorrow.

Temperatures are predicted to reach close to 40 degrees in the east tomorrow and the department says the heat status of the East Gippsland weather district will just about be at health temperature thresholds.

They say organisations should respond in accordance with their heat plans and individuals should also prepare for the heat.

With warm days upon us, Gippslanders will be heading to our many fine beaches.

We are being reminded to protect ourselves on these sunny days, not just at the beach but during every day activities like driving or meeting up with friends.

The Melanoma Institute says wearing sunscreen should be as automatic as wearing a seatbelt.

Australia has the highest rates of melanoma in the world.

Meanwhile, the EPA is publishing twice-daily water quality reports online and swimmers can sign up for SMS pollution alerts.

Blair Morten from Lifesaving Victoria says being safe at the beach is more than just swimming between the flags.

"It's also important to check the quality of the water to protect your health," Mr Morten said.