With a 48 per cent increase in search and rescue missions completed by the Central Coast unit over the past 12 months, Marine Rescue is in need of more volunteers.
More than 283 Marine Rescue missions during 2023, including 39 emergencies, have made the Central Coast the third busiest base in the Hunter/Central Coast district.
“If you’ve ever thought about joining the team at Brisbane Water based Marine Rescue either as a radio operator, boat crew or associate, this is your opportunity to get involved, with an information session to be held at the Point Clare base on Thursday, February 8, from 7-9pm.
A second information meeting will be held from 2pm on Saturday, February 10.
There is no need to register, just turn up and find out what the volunteer organisation provides in the way of training.
Unit Commander Ian Morrow said the new Central Coast headquarters was “on the go” again.
“It’s an exciting time ahead for the Central Coast unit, with the construction of the new two-storey multi-million-dollar state-of-the-art HQ building on the banks of Brisbane Water at Point Clare,” he said.
Volunteer Treasurer Shea Wicks said Marine Rescue’s motto was “saving lives on the water” and, apart from great camaraderie, “it’s wonderful to know we’re helping local boaties”.
Figures released by Marine Rescue NSW this week reveal nearly 600 people were safely returned to shore by the Central Coast unit last year.
Marine Rescue NSW radio operators had a busy 2023, managing 258,742 radio calls – one call every two minutes.
Morrow said the incidents included sinking vessels, boats running aground, flat batteries, engine difficulties and “bad fuel”, caused from fuel sitting dormant in the petrol tank for too long.
“More than half the incidents in 2023 could potentially have been avoided with better boat maintenance, with 57 per cent of calls for mechanical, battery or fuel issues,” he said.
“We’re here to help 24/7. Marine Rescue is always here to help,” Morrow said, adding that boat owners should always conduct a safety check before setting out on the water.
“Check the petrol tank and make sure it’s full.
“Either carry a spare battery or change it regularly.”
The Point Clare base is located at Goodaywang Reserve, at the northern end of Kurrawa Ave on the eastern side of the railway line.
More information can be found on the Marine Rescue Central Coast Facebook page.