Marine Rescue NSW Volunteers Return Almost 500 People Safely To Shore In June

Marine Rescue NSW volunteers across the state completed their second busiest June ever with crews undertaking 237 search and rescue missions last month, down 25 per cent on the record 315 responses recorded in June 2023.

Of last month’s 237 search and rescue missions, 82 were emergency responses while volunteer crews safely returned 468 people to shore.

Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell said people heeded the safety advice and education last month with unfavourable weather conditions at times restricting opportunities to enjoy the state’s waterways.

“It is vitally important that boaters continue to monitor the weather and only go out when conditions permit,” Commissioner Barrell said.

“Boaters can access weather updates and maritime safety alerts on the free Marine Rescue NSW app, they should also Log On via the app or VHF channel 16 so that our team of dedicated volunteers can monitor their safe return.

“Boaters should regularly check their vessel’s engine and battery, have enough fuel with some in reserve, carry the correct safety equipment and always wear a lifejacket.”

Last month, 5,300 vessels Logged On with Marine Rescue NSW while the Service’s radio operators managed 17,178 calls.

Marine Rescue NSW volunteers in the Greater Sydney region completed a state high 86 search and rescue missions in June while the Monaro region (Batemans Bay to Eden and inland on the Alpine Lakes and Moama) had its quietest June on record with two responses.

The previous quietest June for the Monaro region was in 2016 and 2015 when crews completed five missions.

Across Greater Sydney, 86 search and rescue missions, including 19 emergency responses with 169 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