Marine Rescue NSW urges boaters to stay safe this King's Birthday long weekend
by Marine Rescue NSW 9 Jun 2023 14:06 AEST
Marine Rescue NSW urges boaters to stay safe this King's Birthday long weekend © Marine Rescue NSW
Marine Rescue NSW is encouraging boaters across the state to play it safe on the water this King's Birthday long weekend.
Marine Rescue volunteers across NSW are rescue ready from the Tweed to Eden and inland on the Alpine Lakes and Murray River at Moama.
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell is asking all boaters to check weather conditions and to be vigilant when out and about on the state's waterways over the coming days.
"It is important at Marine Rescue that we are out there promoting safe boating behaviours right across the NSW coastline and inland waterways.
"Rescues are one thing but if we can stop those happening before people get out on the water and get into difficulty that is a great thing for Marine Rescue and boating in NSW," Commissioner Barrell said.
"Simple checks of making sure that your boat is in good working order before you leave the boat ramp.
"Checking that you have the right safety equipment and the right amount of fuel for your voyage can prevent a good day on the water turning into a bad day on the water," he said.
Over the past 12 months, Marine Rescue NSW has seen positive growth in boaters using its lifesaving Log On and Log Off service.
"One simple step that any boater can take is to Log On with Marine Rescue, either over VHF marine channel 16 or via the free Marine Rescue app.
"It is a simple step and it means that if you don't return as planned Marine Rescue will start looking for you," Commissioner Barrell said.
Marine Rescue NSW is a volunteer based not-for-profit professional organisation dedicated to keeping boaters safe on the water and supporting local communities.