After selling out in just three weeks, Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie (MRLM) has restocked its inaugural 457-page coffee table book, ahead of what is expected to be a busy summer.
The book, entitled Lake Macquarie and its Coastline, was the brainchild of long-time volunteer Lee Baines.
Launched in August 2021, it surpassed all the group’s expectations, with 1,000 copies of the full-colour glossy hardback snapped up by enthusiasts before the calendar changed.
MRLM spokesperson Garry Luxton says the response was overwhelming.
“We have been fielding questions since selling out last year about a reprint,” he said.
“We printed another 1,000 copies that went on sale last Friday and by the afternoon we’d already sold another 100 copies. That’s a good sign.”
The book highlights the features of Lake Macquarie and its adjacent coastline.
Its author Baines is an engineer with ship design, construction, and heavy engineering experience, who joined Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie in 2017.
Boating enthusiasts in the region are referring to the book as “the ultimate reference guide” for its comprehensive boating information, safety advice, potential hazards, history, wind and weather.
Its pages also include a substantial collection of rich images set to impress mariners, residents, and visitors alike.
By reprinting the book, Mr Luxton said, the group was able to update information as well.
“There are about half a dozen new photos, the updated information includes water movement data, tides etcetera, and some other tweaks relating to phone number updates on some of the organisations mentioned in the book.”
All proceeds from the sale of the book will help fund Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie operations.
“This is a major fundraiser for us at the unit, the money made will help us to continue running 24-7,” Mr Luxton added.
And, latest figures will attest to the need for round the clock assistance.
Since the start of the year, the volunteer rescue group has already performed 367 assists, making it the busiest unit in NSW.
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