Volunteers from Marine Rescue Sussex Inlet rescued a 17-year-old kayaker who needed assistance on St Georges Basin after cool winds whipped up yesterday afternoon (Thursday 8 August).
Marine Rescue NSW Illawarra Inspector Stuart Massey said the young paddler called Marine Rescue Sussex Inlet for help at 4:30pm after conditions deteriorated and he was unable to safely paddle back to his departure point.
“A volunteer crew was assembled and deployed on Sussex Inlet 20 for the mission.
“The paddler was located and taken on board SI 20, he was very cold.
“Our crew administered first aid, his body temperature rose and SI 20 returned him safely to Sanctuary Point boat ramp where his parents were waiting.
“The paddler had his mobile phone with him to call for help and we advise all paddlers and boaters to download the free Marine Rescue NSW app and Log On every time they hit the water.
“Logging on ensures our skilled volunteers keep watch for their safe return and should they not arrive as planned a search will be initiated, it only takes a minute to protect a lifetime,” Inspector Massey said.
Marine Rescue NSW is a volunteer based not-for-profit professional organisation dedicated to keeping boaters safe on the water and supporting local communities.
