Marine Rescue NSW has assured the boating community that it remains ready to respond to emergencies – but is appealing to recreational boaters to stay home during the COVID-19 crisis.
Commissioner Stacey Tannos encouraged boaters to observe the need for people to socially isolate to help prevent the spread of Coronavirus throughout the community.
“It is important that boaters know Marine Rescue NSW is maintaining its life-saving services. If you’re in trouble on the water and need help, our volunteers are ready – as always – to respond,” he said.
“But this is not a time to be reckless with your own or our volunteers’ health and safety.
“It is clear that in these difficult times, we are all expected to act responsibly and abide by the official requests to stay home except when absolutely essential in order to protect ourselves and each other.
“I know our boating community places a high value on our volunteers and their mission to save lives on the water.
“So today, with the full support of NSW Maritime, I am taking the unusual step of asking our recreational boaters to stay on shore.
“Their cooperation in avoiding any unnecessary boating activities will help safeguard no only their own health and wellbeing but that of our 3,000-plus volunteers and others in the community.”
MRNSW has introduced a range of preventative measures to protect its volunteers and staff, along with the public, while also ensuring it can continue its life-saving operations. These include:
• Maintaining marine radio operations with core numbers of volunteers
• Vessel crews largely operating on an emergency call-out basis rather than on standby
• All public fundraising, events, meetings and training have been cancelled
• All personnel are being encouraged to observe social distancing requirements and enhanced hygiene practices.
Commissioner Tannos thanked all MRNSW volunteers for their ongoing commitment to their community service during the continuing COVID-19 crisis.
“As always, our volunteers are selflessly putting the safety of the boating community first, even during this worrying time for us all,” he said. “We all look forward to life on the water returning to normal when this crisis ends.”
In an emergency, boaters should call for help on VHF Channel 16 or by ringing Triple Zero (000).
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