Marine Rescue volunteers across NSW are rescue ready from the Tweed to Eden and inland on the Alpine Lakes and Murray River at Moama ahead of ANZAC Day with the boating season wrapping up April 25.
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell said with ANZAC Day falling on Tuesday the agency is expecting boaters to take the opportunity to make a long weekend this weekend.
“We have seen large numbers of boats out and about all summer and we expect this weekend to be no different,” Commissioner Barrell said.
The boating season commenced on October 1 last year and finishes on ANZAC Day.
“Marine Rescue crews have been busy right throughout the boating season and undertaken nearly 3,000 rescues this summer alone.
“800 of those have been life-threatening emergencies,” he said.
The Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner is asking all boaters to be vigilant when out and about on the state’s waters in the lead up to and including ANZAC Day.
“In the maritime environment a simple breakdown can all of a sudden turn into a life-threatening emergency, that’s why it’s so important that you make sure that your boat is in good working order before you head out and you’re always checking the conditions.
“Make sure that they have all the right safety equipment on board and importantly Log On with your local Marine Rescue base via VHF marine radio channel 16 or over the free Marine Rescue app,” Commissioner Barrell said.
Marine Rescue NSW is a volunteer based not-for-profit professional organisation dedicated to keeping boaters safe on the water and supporting local communities.
