More than 3,500 highly skilled Marine Rescue NSW volunteers are ready to respond to boaters needing assistance this Easter long weekend.
“From the Tweed, right along the east coast to Eden, and inland on the Alpine Lakes and Murray River at Moama, our volunteers are prepared to be deployed at any time of the day or night this Easter period,” said Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell.
Marine Rescue NSW crews had their busiest Easter ever last year, completing 163 search and rescue missions over the four days and safely returning almost 450 people to shore.
“Weather permitting, Marine Rescue NSW is expecting large numbers of boaters and paddlers to take to the state’s waterways this long weekend.
“With increased traffic expected on our waterways, and some boaters venturing into unfamiliar locations, we are urging people to double-check their vessel and safety equipment
before heading out on the water this Easter.
“If boating in an unfamiliar area, refer to local charts and speak with the local Marine Rescue NSW unit before launching your vessel.
“Check your engine, make sure your battery is charged, carry plenty of clean fuel, and ensure you have the correct safety equipment on board — including lifejackets.
“If people follow this advice, they will give themselves the best chance of having a safe and enjoyable Easter, and avoid becoming a statistic,” he said.
Commissioner Barrell said 20 Marine Rescue NSW rescue watercraft (jet skis) are strategically placed at holiday locations across the state, with the Point Danger, Brunswick, Nambucca, Port Macquarie, Lake Macquarie, Central Coast, Port Kembla, Jervis Bay, Sussex Inlet and Tuross Moruya units all having RWCs as part of their rescue fleet.
A Marine Rescue NSW vessel and rescue watercraft operator respond to a boater in distress off Brunswick Heads
“Marine Rescue NSW RWCs are rapid response craft, which are highly manoeuvrable and able to access areas that rescue vessels can’t.
“Boaters and paddlers should also download the free Marine Rescue NSW app so they can Log On with our dedicated volunteers, who will keep watch for their safe return.
“Logging On can also be done via VHF channel 16. Hit the water with caution, return with confidence,” Commissioner Barrell said.
Marine Rescue NSW volunteers by region
Northern Rivers: 479 volunteers across all 7 Northern Rivers units – Point Danger, Brunswick, Cape Byron, Ballina, Evans Head, Iluka Yamba & Wooli.
Marine Rescue Evans Head assisting a stranded vessel offshore
Mid North Coast: 695 volunteers across all 9 Mid North Coast units – Woolgoolga, Coffs Harbour, Nambucca, Trial Bay, Lord Howe Island, Port Macquarie, Camden Haven, Crowdy Harrington & Forster Tuncurry.
Hunter Central Coast: 795 volunteers across all 8 Hunter/Central Coast units – Port Stephens, Lemon Tree Passage, Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Norah Head, Tuggerah Lakes, Central Coast & Terrigal.
Greater Sydney: 711 volunteers across all 7 Greater Sydney units – Hawkesbury, Cottage Point, Broken Bay, Sydney – State Communications Centre, Middle Harbour, Port Jackson & Botany Port Hacking.
Illawarra: 474 volunteers across all 7 Illawarra units – Port Kembla, Shellharbour, Shoalhaven, Jervis Bay, Sussex Inlet, Ulladulla & Kioloa.
Monaro: 381 volunteers across all 8 Monaro units – Batemans Bay, Tuross Moruya, Narooma, Bermagui, Merimbula, Eden, Alpine Lakes & Moama.
Marine Rescue NSW is a volunteer based not-for-profit professional organisation dedicated to keeping boaters safe on the water and supporting local communities.
