Eleven young Indigenous boys and girls recently participated in a three-day Youth Safe Boating programme at Marine Rescue Sussex Inlet, where they worked towards gaining their recreational boat licences.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Stuart Massey, Sergeant Russell Agland from NSW Water Police, and Detective Sergeant Paul Reynolds from the Australian Federal Police spent the past few months developing the programme, which was delivered from 7–9 November in the Shoalhaven, with assistance from Marine Rescue NSW volunteers, NSW Water Police, and AFP officers.
“When the idea was first suggested, we jumped at the chance,” said Inspector Massey.
“Having the three agencies come together for community engagement in the Shoalhaven has been excellent.”
The programme provided theoretical and practical boating skills, aimed at helping participants obtain a boat licence.
“Now that we’ve completed this programme, I’m confident these youths will be able to enjoy safe boating for many years to come,” said NSW Water Police Sergeant Agland.
Detective Sergeant Reynolds of the Australian Federal Police praised the smooth delivery of the programme.
“The practical component of these courses is essential for learning safe boating skills. We had a variety of vessels from the AFP, NSW Water Police, and Marine Rescue NSW to teach the youngsters on.”
Marine Rescue NSW Sussex Inlet Unit Commander Brett Eurell led the team of volunteers who put the youths through their paces.
“Our dedicated team of volunteers at Marine Rescue Sussex Inlet stepped up once again to engage the community with this programme. Our volunteers delivered the boat licence course and supported the NSW Water Police and AFP with on-water instruction, providing participants with a cross-section of handling and navigation skills,” said Unit Commander Eurell.
On the final day of the course, participants were greeted by Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell, Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips, and State Member for the South Coast Liza Butler, who wished the youths well ahead of their final assessments.
The Youth Safe Boating Programme was a resounding success, with all participants gaining their boat licences.
Marine Rescue NSW is a volunteer-based, not-for-profit professional organisation dedicated to keeping boaters safe on the water and supporting local communities.
