Yarra river rescue as Victoria bakes

Four off-duty police officers have pulled an elderly man from the Yarra river after he jumped in to cool off.

The officers were cycling near Alexandra Avenue when they saw a man struggling in the water.

They jumped in and pulled the man onto the bank where he was treated by paramedics and taken to The Alfred hospital for observation.

It’s believed he couldn’t swim.

Melbourne continues to cook, with many suburbs moving into the 40s.

Swan Hill is claiming bragging rights as the state’s hottest place – it hit 43.6 degress at 2pm.

Relief is in sight for Melbourne with a cool change expected to sweep through about 6pm.

There is a total fire ban for the whole state except for East Gippsland.