Marine Rescue NSW commends caution as missions drop in May

Marine Rescue NSW volunteers experienced reduced demand in May, with unfavourable boating weather leading to fewer boaters heading out on the water and requiring assistance.

“That is exactly what we want to see at Marine Rescue NSW – as few rescues as possible, with boaters not endangering themselves or others for a day on the water,” said Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell.

After completing 369 rescues in April, Marine Rescue NSW volunteers across the state performed 202 search and rescue missions last month, including 65 emergency responses, safely returning 406 people to shore.

Volunteer crews responded to 12 capsized vessels in May, while 10 per cent of missions were to assist grounded vessels.

“Boaters must pay close attention to tides, conditions, and navigation markers to avoid grounding their vessel and potentially finding themselves in a life-threatening situation,” Commissioner Barrell said.

With numerous hazardous surf warnings issued across the state last month, the Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner is urging boaters to continue to heed the warnings.

“Your life is not worth a fish or a day on the water,” said Barrell. “Offshore conditions have been unfavourable, and boaters should be commended for not going out.

“Boaters need to accept and respect the conditions – the sea shows no mercy. Before heading out, always check the weather and conditions, and continue to monitor them.”

Marine Rescue NSW volunteers kept watch over almost 12,000 people on board "logged on" vessels last month, with radio operators managing 13,626 radio calls, including two maydays.

“Logging on ensures our dedicated volunteers keep watch for a boater’s safe return, and in the event they go overdue, a search will be initiated,” said Barrell. ““It only takes a minute to log on and protect a lifetime – using the free Marine Rescue NSW app or VHF channel 16.”

Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie was the busiest unit in the state for the third consecutive month, while Marine Rescue Port Kembla remains in demand. The Illawarra unit was the fourth busiest in the state last month – its second top-five appearance of the year.