Marine Rescue NSW volunteers returned almost 500 people safely to shore in June.
Volunteers across the state completed their second busiest June ever with crews doing 237 search and rescue missions last month, down 25% on the record 315 responses recorded in June 2023.
Of last month’s 237 search and rescue missions, 82 were emergency responses while volunteer crews safely returned 468 people to shore.
The figures for the Northern Rivers were 45 search and rescue missions including 26 emergency responses with 110 people safely returned to shore across all seven Northern Rivers units – Point Danger, Brunswick, Cape Byron, Ballina, Evans Head, Iluka Yamba & Wooli.
The locations with the most search and rescue missions were: Point Danger 20, Ballina 11.
Marine Rescue Evans Head helped a boat broken down near the bar earlier this month.
Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell said it is important boaters continue to monitor the weather and only go out when conditions permit.
“Boaters can access weather updates and maritime safety alerts on the free Marine Rescue NSW app, they should also Log On via the app or VHF channel 16 so that our team of dedicated volunteers can monitor their safe return,” Mr Barrell said.
“Boaters should regularly check their vessel’s engine and battery, have enough fuel with some in reserve, carry the correct safety equipment and always wear a lifejacket.”
Last month, 5,300 vessels Logged On with Marine Rescue NSW while the Service’s radio operators managed 17,178 calls.
Could you be a Marine Rescue volunteer? Go here to find out more.
This information was provided by Marine Rescue NSW.
