Holidaymakers throughout the region are being advised to heed important safety messages from Marine Rescue NSW.
The warning follows a series of incidents on Brisbane Water, which recently kept members on their toes.
Six people, including three children, were aboard a 5.5-metre runabout that ran aground at Patonga.
Marine Rescue Point Clare successfully pulled the boat off the sand and – after making sure there were no injuries – the visiting contingent continued its journey.
Later that afternoon, a 4.5-metre cabin runabout with two people on board broke down in the Woy Woy Channel.
It was eventually towed by Marine Rescue to the nearest boat ramp at Lions Park.
Several engine issues also caused problems with boat owners throughout the day, with one – a 6.5-metre centre console with three people aboard – needing to be towed from Broken Bay to Bayview at Pittwater, while another required hauling from North Dangar to the Brooklyn Boat Ramp.
The latter two assists, alone, cost Marine Rescue – a volunteer operation – approximately $250 in petrol for the rescue craft.
The radio room and boat crew earned praise for their efforts during the busy 24-hour period, with many man hours being spent to keep boat owners and their passengers safe on the water.
The motor issues emphasised the message put out by Marine Rescue Point Clare Unit Commander Ian Morrow just prior to Christmas.
“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 checking that you have the right amount of fuel for your voyage can prevent a good day on the water from turning to a bad day,” he said.
“The December-January holidays are always busy on Central Coast water, from the Hawkesbury to Lake Macquarie.
“And, we want to see people enjoy them safely,” said Mr Morrow, adding that good preparation is the key to safely enjoying time on the water.
The Unit Commander added it was very important boaters logged on with their local Marine Rescue base or use the Marine Rescue NSW app.
For more news stories:
- Keep kids safe online during school holidays
- Teen charged following aggravated break and enter at Nelson Bay
- More warnings issued after seven people rescued from rip at Birubi
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