A new Marine Rescue vessel, Tuggerah Lakes 20, was commissioned on Friday, August 7, to boost safety on the lakes.
The 6.8m Naiad vessel is fully equipped with the latest search and rescue technology, navigation, communications and first aid technology.
NSW Minister for Police and Emergency Services, David Elliott, and Marine Rescue NSW Director, Jim Wright, commissioned the $385,000 vessel.
“This modern new vessel means that the volunteers from Tuggerah Lakes are now better equipped than ever to respond to emergencies on the lakes system, which is larger than Sydney Harbour and a magnet for boaters, fishers and paddlers,” Elliott said.
“This boat has been specifically designed and built for rescue operations in the lakes’ deceptive shallows, which can catch many boaters unawares.”
Tuggerah Lakes volunteers have launched 28 rescue missions over the past year, including four in response to life threatening emergencies, and logged on 350 boats, keeping watch over 1,500 people on board.
Marine Rescue Tuggerah Lakes Unit Commander, Tony Younglove, said the new boat had performed above expectations on the shallow and sandy lakes.
“The boat is manoeuvrable and durable, with a draught of just 500mm, which makes it a great resource not only for operations in the shallows but also in the hazardous conditions when the wind whips up across the water,” he said.
“As well as the suite of search and rescue technology that our crews need, it also carries advanced first aid equipment, including a cardiac defibrillator and an oxygen kit, so we are ready to provide immediate assistance in a medical emergency,” Younglove said.
Parliamentary Secretary for Central Coast, Adam Crouch, said the NSW Government was a proud supporter of Marine Rescue volunteers and had invested $37.6M to deliver 38 new rescue vessels across the State, and to improve volunteer operating facilities and enhancements to the marine radio network.
Sue Murray