Improving emergency responses on water

More than 25 people commandeered eight jetskis and a rescue vessel recently in an exercise designed to improve the emergency response tactics of Marine Rescue volunteers on Brisbane Water and Lake Macquarie.

Rescue Water Craft Operator Development Day had been in the organisation stages for several months and co-ordinators Regan Mitchell from the Central Coast and Jane Shirriff from Lake Macquarie were “over the moon” with the success of the day.

“The program was designed to enhance Rescue Water Craft Operators’ skills, safety and operational readiness through practical training and scenario-based exercises,” said Mitchell, a trainer with three Marine Rescue units at Point Clare, Terrigal and Lake Macquarie.

Shirriff, Zone Training Manager for Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie, said the day ensured operators were being prepared for real-life emergencies and aligning with MRNSW procedures.

“The goal was to reinforce standardised rescue techniques and risk management while fostering inter-base teamwork and knowledge sharing,” she said.

The event was also designed to lift the profile of the correct and responsible usage of jetskis in the two largest waterways in NSW by enduring a high visibility by the public and the importance to maintain safety and professionalism.

A recent community service announcement program, Cool Your Jets – Stay in Control, has been named a success by organisers, but they want to make sure the message continues to reach its target.

Jetskis have been banned from some sections of Sydney Harbour and the local Marine Rescue units hope to encourage jet skiers to use their craft in a responsible fashion on the local waterways to avoid a similar ban.