A 30ft motor cruiser became the first casualty of the start of the boating season when it ran into a sandbar south of Woy Woy in Brisbane Water on Sunday morning, October 6.
Four adults were aboard the vessel set to enjoy a day cruising.
Marine Rescue Central Coast responded with rescue vessel PK20, discovering the distressed craft was firmly embedded in the sandbar and was unable to dislodge it.
It was decided the motor cruiser would need to wait until high tide when the boat would be easier to remove from the bar.
Other callouts were received over the long weekend, with engine troubles and running out of fuel being the main causes.
Marine Rescue Central Coast Unit Commander Ian Morrow said these incidents could be avoided if boat owners followed a series of easy safety checks before taking the boat out on the water.
“Always make sure you have enough fuel in the tank to get where you’re going and make the return journey,” Morrow said.
“And boat owners should always ensure their engine is serviced regularly.”