Marine Rescue Volunteers Face Record Winter Demand
Mid North Coast records busiest June while Northern Rivers crews answer 24 rescues
Marine Rescue NSW volunteers have experienced one of their busiest winter periods on record, with crews across the Mid North Coast and Northern Rivers responding to almost 60 search and rescue missions during June as emergency call-outs remained high despite the cooler weather.
The Mid North Coast recorded its busiest June ever, with volunteer crews completing 35 search and rescue missions, making it the busiest regional command in New South Wales outside Greater Sydney and the Hunter-Central Coast.
Closer to home, Northern Rivers volunteers also remained heavily occupied, responding to 24 rescue missions, including 16 emergency call-outs, while safely returning 57 people to shore.
The figures highlight the continued importance of Marine Rescue NSW’s volunteer network, even during the traditionally quieter winter boating season.
Across the Mid North Coast, volunteers safely assisted 84 people, with 19 missions classified as emergencies requiring immediate response.
Marine Rescue Port Macquarie led the way with a record 16 rescue missions, followed by Forster Tuncurry with eight and Coffs Harbour with five.
Within the Northern Rivers command, Point Danger was the busiest rescue unit, responding to nine incidents, while Iluka Yamba completed five missions and Brunswick crews attended four rescues.
Statewide, Marine Rescue NSW volunteers carried out 235 search and rescue operations throughout June, safely returning 548 people to shore. Nearly 40 per cent of those missions were emergency responses.
Greater Sydney recorded the highest workload with 73 rescues, followed by the Hunter-Central Coast with 65, ahead of the Mid North Coast (35), Northern Rivers (24) and Monaro (13).
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Todd Andrews said the figures served as a timely reminder that winter conditions can be just as dangerous as summer.
“Winter is no time for complacency,” Mr Andrews said.
“Boaters must remain vigilant, as weather conditions can change rapidly and water temperatures are colder.
“Even on calm, sunny days, falling into cold water can have serious consequences.”
Mechanical failure continued to be the leading reason volunteers were called into action, with engine breakdowns accounting for 42 per cent of all rescue missions during the month.
Mr Andrews said many incidents could be avoided through routine maintenance before heading onto the water.
“Before launching, ensure your vessel is in working condition, your engine has been serviced and all safety equipment is operational,” he said.
He also encouraged all skippers to take advantage of Marine Rescue NSW’s free Log On service before leaving the boat ramp.
Volunteer radio operators monitor every logged-on journey and can immediately begin enquiries if a vessel fails to return as scheduled, significantly reducing response times during emergencies.
During June, Marine Rescue NSW radio operators handled more than 20,000 radio calls while monitoring the safe return of 21,654 people aboard 6,341 vessels that logged on before departing.
With humpback whales continuing their annual migration along the NSW coastline, Mr Andrews also reminded boaters to remain alert, observe required exclusion distances and reduce speed whenever whales are nearby.
His advice to all boaters was simple:
“If in doubt, don’t go out.”
