Boaters urged to put safety first this long weekend

With an influx of boaters expected to take to waterways across the Central Coast during the Australia Day long weekend, Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell is urging boaters to put safety first.

“We want boaters to make safety a priority and take extra care with an expected increase in traffic on the state’s waterways,” Barrell said.

“We would like to see people have a great time on the water – but most importantly, return home safely.”

With more than 700 dedicated volunteers across the Hunter and Central Coast, the long weekend is traditionally extremely busy for Marine Rescue NSW.

“With large numbers of boaters expected to head out on our waterways – weather permitting – our volunteers are rescue-ready to assist at any time of the day or night,” he said.

Marine Rescue NSW volunteers on the Hunter Central Coast (Port Stephens, Lemon Tree Passage, Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Norah Head, Tuggerah Lakes, Central Coast and Terrigal) completed 34 search and rescue missions over the three-day Australia Day long weekend last year, safely returning 86 people to shore.

“We would like to see those numbers dramatically reduced this long weekend,” Barrell said.

“Boaters need to ensure their vessel is in good working order, use clean fuel and carry some in reserve, always wear a lifejacket, have the correct safety equipment, and Log On with Marine Rescue NSW using the free Marine Rescue NSW app or VHF channel 16.

“Logging on provides peace of mind that if you don’t return as planned, our volunteers will start looking for you.

“It is crucial that boaters and paddlers monitor the weather and avoid going out if conditions are unfavourable.

“Always check conditions before heading out and continue to monitor them while on the water.

“If in doubt, don’t go out.”

Marine Rescue NSW is a volunteer based not-for-profit professional organisation dedicated to keeping boaters safe on the water and supporting local communities.