The third busiest Marine Rescue NSW base in the Hunter/Central Coast district is on the hunt for volunteers.

In the past 12 months, the Brisbane Water headquarters has experienced an 48% increase in search and rescue missions, with 283 recorded during 2023, including 39 emergencies.

Now, Marine Rescue Central Coast is currently looking for additional members, like youngster Will Shaddock, whose efforts were highly commended in the Volunteer of the Year awards.

If you’ve ever thought about joining the team either as a radio operator, boat crew or associate, this is your opportunity to get involved.

An information evening will take place at the Point Clare base on Thursday 8 February, from 7pm.

There is no need to register, just turn up and find out what the volunteer organisation provides in the way of training.

However, applicants must be 16 years or older.

A second information session is scheduled from 2pm, the following Saturday 10 February.

Unit Commander Ian Morrow confirmed the new Central Coast headquarters was “on the go” again.

“It’s an exciting time ahead for the unit, with the construction of a two-storey multi-million-dollar state-of-the-art HQ building on the banks of Brisbane Water at Point Clare,” he said.

Volunteer treasurer Shea Wicks said Marine Rescue’s motto was “saving lives on the water”.

“Apart from great camaraderie, it’s wonderful to know we’re helping local boaties,” he added.

Figures released by Marine Rescue NSW reveal nearly 600 people were safely returned to shore by the Central Coast unit last year.

Radio operators had a busy 2023, managing 258,742 calls… or one every two minutes.

Commander Morrow said the incidents included sinking vessels, boats running aground, flat batteries, engine difficulties and “bad fuel”, caused from petrol sitting dormant in the tank for too long.

“More than half the incidents in 2023 could potentially have been avoided with better boat maintenance, with 57% of calls for mechanical, battery or fuel issues,” he explained.

“Owners should always conduct a safety check before setting out on the water.

“Check the petrol tank and make sure it’s full.

“Either carry a spare battery or change it regularly.”

The Point Clare base is located at Goodaywang Reserve, at the northern end of Kurrawa Avenue, on the eastern side of the railway line.

More information can be found on the Marine Rescue Central Coast Face Book page.

Boat users are urged to follow these steps to stay safe this season:

• Log On and Off with Marine Rescue via VHF Channel 16 or use the free Marine Rescue NSW app available for iOS and Android devices
• Make sure everyone on board is wearing a lifejacket
• Make sure your vessel’s engine and battery are working
• Make sure you have enough fuel and some in reserve

For more community stories:

• Port Stephens’ International Women’s Day scholarships up for grabs
• Nailing repair work on Putty Road
• NSW Government commits to dredging work on Myall River

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