MARINE Rescue NSW units – including those at Trial Bay and at Nambucca Heads – will increase their on-water presence over the holiday season which brings an influx of boaters to the State’s waterways and a spike in emergency incidents.
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Thirty-six people drowned in NSW last summer, including seven between Christmas and January 2.
Deputy Commissioner Dean Storey said MRNSW units would increase local patrols, especially from Christmas to mid-January.
“Our professionally trained volunteer crews will help provide maximum protection for recreational boaters,” he said.
“We will be involved in Sydney Harbour classics such as the start of the Sydney to Harbour Yacht Race, the New Year’s Eve fireworks and Australia Day celebrations.
“Regional operations managers and volunteers will again be based at the NSW Police Force Marine Area Command base at Balmain to liaise with police and help coordinate rescue operations,” he said.
Mr Storey said many MRNSW units also extended their marine radio monitoring over summer, complementing the 24/7 coverage provided year round by regional Search and Rescue Coordination Centres (SARCCs) and the Terrey Hills State Operations Centre.
He urged boaters to always put on a lifejacket, and log on with their local Marine Rescue unit, before heading out on the water.
“Tell us where you are going and when you expect to be back on shore.
“If you don’t log off when expected our volunteer rescue crews can quickly mount a search.
“You can log on and log off using your marine radio or phone – and the free MarineRescue App makes it even quicker and easier.
“You can get on with enjoying your day, knowing a team of rescue experts is watching out for you … whether you’re out for a morning’s fishing, a local day trip or cruising further along the coast.”
