Reduced demand for Marine Rescue 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.

On the Mid North Coast, 22 search and rescue missions were completed, including 11 emergency responses, with 36 people safely returned to shore.

Three search and rescues were completed by the Coffs Harbour Marine Rescue crew.

“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 percent 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,” he said.

“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,” he said.

The Mid North Coast has nine Marine Rescue units – Woolgoolga, Coffs Harbour, Nambucca, Trial Bay, Lord Howe Island, Port Macquarie, Camden Haven, Crowdy Harrington and Forster Tuncurry.