Simon stood quietly, gazing out at the sea near Black Rock, just south of Melbourne. The view was calm and beautiful. A photo taken some time ago showed the recreation pier reaching into the blue water, with cliffs and gentle waves creating a peaceful scene. But for Simon, this photo had changed. It now told the story of a near-tragedy that struck far too close to home.

Recently, his four-year-old granddaughter — four in two months — was walking with family and friends at the far end of that same pier. It was a place the family had visited many times. The little girl, full of joy and energy, moved ahead a few steps. In a second, she tripped. There was no railing. No barrier. Just water below. She fell.

A family member didn’t pause. Dressed in jeans and a jumper, they jumped straight in after her. No one had time to think. It was instinct, love, and courage. The girl had been doing swimming lessons recently, which helped her stay calm and float for a few vital seconds. That made the difference. She was reached quickly, pulled close, and brought safely back to the pier’s edge.

There were no injuries, no hospital visits, and no news reports. But the fear stayed. For Simon and his family, that moment still echoes every time they look out at the sea.

The pier is partly fenced — but only on one side. The open end where the fall happened remains exposed. It’s a common design across many coastal towns. Some argue that adding more fencing would ruin the look and feel of the place. Others say that one simple safety measure could prevent the next accident — or worse.

Across the Tasman in Wellington, a different decision has sparked a public debate. The city council recently agreed to install 30 metres of fencing along a section of the waterfront. The move followed a series of drownings and near-misses. Not everyone supported it. Critics said it would spoil the harbour’s charm. Others said it didn’t go far enough. But for parents and grandparents who’ve seen children slip too close to the edge, the move made sense.

Simon’s story adds weight to the question: how far should we go with safety fencing? Do we wait until a life is lost before we act? Or do we learn from near-misses and put protection in place?

Public spaces near water must be open, inviting, and enjoyable. But they also need to be safe — especially for children. A fence does not take away the beauty of the sea. It simply adds a line of defence. People of all ages make mistakes, and children move fast. It only takes a moment.

Simon’s granddaughter is fine now. She still loves the ocean. But her family sees that pier differently. It’s no longer just a peaceful place. It’s a reminder that nature can be unforgiving — and that safety must be part of the design, not an afterthought.

We cannot fence every edge of every coast. But we can fence the most dangerous spots. We can learn from stories like Simon’s. And we can agree that one child saved is always worth more than any perfect view.