Volunteer Marine Rescue (VMR) Victoria Point is now part of Marine Rescue Queensland (MRQ), marking a new era for the Redlands’ on-water community.
The 46-strong volunteer unit, which formed more than four decades ago, is the fourth Volunteer Marine Rescue unit in Queensland to transition to MRQ since 1 July 2024.
MRQ Victoria Point has three vessels to its fleet, a 9 metre single-hull primary rescue vessel, a 7.5 metre soft-collar vessel and 3.6 metre rubber duck.
VMR Victoria Point typically averaged more than 50 activations a year, ranging from missing swimmers and kayakers, vessels that have run aground, sunk or were sinking, and kite surfers and jet ski rescues.
Volunteers clock more than 250 volunteer hours each week keeping the Redlands on-water community safe. This includes those on vessel and machinery maintenance, as well as manning hours at the base, water training and instrument and equipment familiarisation.
MRQ Victoria Point volunteers also host information nights for Scouts, Joeys, Sea Cadets and Girl Guides
MRQ Victoria Point follows the transition of MRQ Currumbin which transitioned last week and MRQ Gladstone and Mackay units in July.
VMR Jacobs Well will transition to MRQ on 9 December 2024, while neighbouring units VMR Raby Bay, Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Redland Bay and VMR Stradbroke Island will join MRQ soon.
Marine Rescue Queensland Chief Officer Tony Wulff said VMR Victoria Point’s move to MRQ was an exciting step for marine rescue in the Redlands.
“This is a milestone for MRQ Victoria Point and the Redlands’ on-water community,” he said.
“We know the community has relied on the Victoria Point volunteers for more than four decades and they will continue to do so and the same, friendly faces will still be there.”
“The government’s commitment to marine rescue and the on-water community to keep everyone as safe as possible is testament to the thousands of marine rescue volunteers across our great state.”
MRQ Victoria Point Unit Commander Neville Mills said their members were looking forward to being part of the MRQ family.
“We’ve had quite a bit of interest in the lead up to becoming MRQ Victoria Point which is a good sign our on-water community is active and wants to know who will be there to rescue them if they find themselves in trouble,” he said.
Water safety tips:
- Log your journeys from start to finish
- Always wear your lifejacket
- Remember to pack sunscreen, wide-brimmed hat and water (2 litres per person)
- If you need help, radio VHF-16 or call Triple Zero
- Check you have extra fuel
- Check the weather forecast before you leave
- Charge your phone and any other devices
- Tell family and friends where you are going
