International Volunteer Day - Marine Rescue NSW praises members

by Ken McManus on 6 Dec 2014 On International Volunteer Day Marine Rescue NSW has thanked its members for their commitment and tireless work to save lives on the water.

Commissioner Stacey Tannos praised the organisation’s 3,300 members for their skill, experience and dedication to serving the community.

'Our members are among more than 500,000 volunteers in the emergency management sector in Australia,' he said.

'It’s important that we take the time on International Volunteer Day to thank them – and all volunteers in all sectors – for their invaluable contribution to the safety and wellbeing of the Australian community.

'On behalf of the Board and staff of Marine Rescue NSW and all the boaters and others in the community they have helped over the years, I thank each of them,' he said.

MRNSW has 3,330 volunteers in 45 units along the coastline from the Queensland border to Eden and inland on the Alpine Lakes and the Murray River at Moama.

The Commissioner said MRNSW had been announced as the winner of the award for Most Outstanding Contribution to Water Safety by an Organisation in the NSW Water Safety Awards in September.

'Each of our members in our 45 units has earned this award, which is fitting recognition of their achievements and role as leading boating safety advocates.

'In 2013/2014, our crews responded to 750 life-threatening emergencies and assisted another 2,300 vessels in distress, often putting their own safety at risk in hazardous conditions. Our radio operators handled more than 364,000 radio transmissions around-the-clock.

'They also Logged On almost 80,000 vessels, giving their skippers the peace of mind of knowing that someone responsible was keeping watch over them.

'Without our volunteers, we would not be able to provide our essential safety services to the boating community and fulfil our mission to save lives on the water.

'They deserve our gratitude and praise, not just today but every day.'