Marine Rescue NSW Volunteers Ready For Holiday Season After A Busy November

Marine Rescue NSW volunteers across the state were busy during November, with the service expecting demand to increase over the holiday season.

Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell said volunteer crews completed 375 search and rescue missions last month, including 98 emergency responses, with 902 people safely returned to shore.

“The large number of search and rescue missions performed by our volunteers across the state in November indicates that Marine Rescue NSW is anticipating an extremely busy holiday season ahead,” Commissioner Barrell said.

“The Illawarra region had its busiest November on record, while our units in the Hunter Central Coast and Monaro regions equalled their busiest-ever November.

“I can’t thank all of our volunteers enough for their round-the-clock response to assist boaters on the state’s waterways.”

Marine Rescue NSW units across the Illawarra region (Port Kembla, Shellharbour, Shoalhaven, Jervis Bay, Sussex Inlet, Ulladulla and Kioloa) had their busiest November since 2022, completing 41 search and rescue missions and safely returning 124 people to shore.

Units on the Hunter Central Coast (Port Stephens, Lemon Tree Passage, Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Norah Head, Tuggerah Lakes, Central Coast and Terrigal) equalled their record mark set in 2022 with 125 missions, while the eight Marine Rescue NSW units in the Monaro region (Batemans Bay, Tuross Moruya, Narooma, Bermagui, Merimbula, Eden, Alpine Lakes and Moama) completed 20 missions, matching the demand of 2022.

Greater Sydney was the busiest region in November, with Marine Rescue NSW’s seven units returning 349 people to shore following 138 search and rescue missions.

Marine Rescue NSW radio operators managed 17,818 radio calls last month and kept watch over 19,367 people on board 5,352 logged-on vessels.

Commissioner Barrell said boaters and paddlers could provide themselves and their loved ones with peace of mind this holiday season by always Logging On and Off with Marine Rescue NSW.

“People hitting the water can rest assured that Marine Rescue NSW has the capability to assist those in need on enclosed, inland and offshore waters, with more than 120 rescue vessels able to be rapidly deployed,” Commissioner Barrell said.

“A sudden change in conditions, combined with engine failure or running out of fuel in the wrong location, can lead to life-threatening incidents, such as capsizing or running aground.

“Boat like your life depends on it.

“Our message to boaters this holiday season is: prep now, boat later.

“Marine Rescue NSW crews will assist any boater at any time, day or night, but if you are heading out on the water, we want you to get home safe with wonderful memories of your day.

“Make sure your vessel is in good working order, you have the correct safety equipment, always wear a lifejacket, have plenty of clean fuel, monitor the weather, and always log on with Marine Rescue NSW either via the free Marine Rescue NSW app or VHF channel 16.”

One hundred and thirty eight search and rescue missions, including 18 emergency responses with 349 people safely returned to shore across all seven Greater Sydney units - Hawkesbury, Cottage Point, Broken Bay, Sydney - State Communications Centre, Middle Harbour, Port Jackson and Botany Port Hacking.

• Topics:

• Water Safety