STAFF WRITER
NSW makes a splash as strongest rescue capability in history hits the water
The fleet of 67 jet skis is being rolled out to Surf Life Saving Clubs across NSW.
Evans Head’s is one of the regions that will be getting jet skis as well as Ballina, Clarence, Byron Bay and other areas.
The State Government is spending $23million on improving rescue fleets and emergency response capabilities.
The latest fleet of jet skis are fitted with upgraded rescue and safety technology, including live feed tracking systems and Personal Locator Beacons – helping volunteer rescuers in demanding surf conditions.
Lifesaving technologies such as Rescue Water Craft (jet skis), drones and Emergency Rescue Beacons are now positioned up and down the NSW coast.
Over the past three seasons, 1000 rescues have been performed by jet ski – almost 300 of these were during the 2025/26 season.
The government has also added 64 Emergency Response Beacons at known ‘blackspot’ locations – with a total of 68 now installed and operational in NSW.
Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said communities will be better protected year-round, not just during the summer patrol season.
“Not only will they save the lives of community members and visitors, but they will reduce the risk for our volunteers when they go to the aid of others,” Mr Dib said.
Surf Life Saving NSW chief executive Steve Pearce said jet skis are the backbone of the rescue services response capability, especially away from patrolled locations and in search and rescue situations.
“We’re really pleased that in addition to supplying the fleet of jet skis across the state, operators who use the new equipment will also be fitted out with a complete suite of PPE including personal flotation devices, helmets, trauma kits and full-length wetsuits,” Mr Pearce said.
The full list of locations benefitting from the rollout are:
· Byron Bay
· Ballina
· Evans Head
· Clarence
· Woolgoolga
· Coffs Harbour
· Redhead
· Catherine Hill Bay
· Terrigal
· Avoca
· Copacabana
· Malabar
· Shellharbour