With the start of the summer holiday season, Marine Rescue NSW crews launched 435 rescue missions during December, including 111 in response to life-endangering emergencies.
Our volunteers returned 892 adults, 150 children and 12 animals to safety across the month.
Boats capsized in 18 emergencies and ran aground in 28 others, with flat batteries resulting in another 46 rescues.
Over the Christmas – New Year period (December 24 – January 3) alone, our volunteers launched 242 rescue missions, returning 617 people, made up of 534 adults and 83 children, as well as six pets safely to their families. These rescues occurred during a variety of activities, including fishing (58), cruising (41) and sailing (14).
During December, the busiest MRNSW units on the water were Lake Macquarie (58 missions), Botany Port Hacking (40), Port Stephens (31), Port Jackson (24) and the MR Terrey Hills radio team, who coordinated the response to 40 incidents.
Holiday season is family time and if you’re taking your family members out on the water, these rescues are a timely reminder of the importance of boating safely and responsibly – most importantly, having the required safety gear on board.
Everyone on your boat should be wearing a lifejacket and you can even get one for your dog.
Flares, a VHF marine radio, V-sheet and an EPIRB are other important safety items, especially if you are heading offshore.
Thanks to all our volunteers saving lives on the water.
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