Two rescued on Marine Rescue Moama training run

by Ken McManus on 13 Dec 2014 Volunteers and trainees from Marine Rescue Moama have today rescued two wakeboarders in trouble on the Murray River.

Pia James and Harley Freeman were wakeboarding from the back of a houseboat on the Murray at Moama when Harley fell off.

Forced to swim against the current to try to return to the houseboat, Harley soon became exhausted. Pia went to support Harley but she too, became separated from the houseboat, which was unable to manoeuvre in the current to reach them.

Marine Rescue NSW Regional Training Manager Glenn Sullivan was conducting a training exercise nearby on board the Moama unit’s rescue vessel, Moama 20, and quickly made for the pair in the water.

'We asked them if they needed help and our crew soon had two very relieved people on board,' Mr Sullivan said.

The pair was helped on to Moama 20 by Moama volunteer Roy Maiden and trainees Norm Berger and Brock Norwood. Also on board was MRNSW Member Services Manager Mat Smith, in town to support the Moama unit’s training weekend and Open Day on Sunday.

This is the second incident in the space of four days in which MRNSW crews on a training exercise were able to assist people in trouble on the water. In Merimbula on Wednesday, three teens on boogie boards were close to exhaustion struggling to get back over the Merimbula bar into safe water.

Merimbula 30 saw the trio in difficulties and returned them to shore and an anxious waiting parent.

'Now that it’s summer, more people will be taking to the water in boats and other recreational water craft,' Mr Sullivan said.

'Marine Rescue NSW urges everyone who enjoys the fun and enjoyment of boating and small craft to wear lifejackets. Incidents like these can happen in a flash and a lifejacket will keep you afloat until help arrives.'