Improved Safety Habits See Fewer Marine Rescues in Hunter and Central Coast

newy.com.au – Boaters in the Hunter and Central Coast region have been commended for their improved safety preparations, contributing to a quieter January for Marine Rescue NSW volunteers. Despite remaining one of the busiest regions in the state, with 199 search and rescue missions, the number of emergency responses dropped, reflecting a growing awareness of the importance of planning before heading out on the water.

Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell credited skippers for taking proactive steps, such as ensuring their vessels and safety equipment were in good working order, carrying sufficient fuel, monitoring weather conditions, and Logging On with Marine Rescue NSW before setting out.

“Boaters are getting the message to prep now and boat later,” Commissioner Barrell said. “The fewer rescues our crews perform, the more people are having an enjoyable day on the water and getting home safely. That is exactly what we want to see more of.”

In the Hunter and Central Coast, the region’s eight Marine Rescue units—Port Stephens, Lemon Tree Passage, Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Norah Head, Tuggerah Lakes, Central Coast, and Terrigal—successfully returned 465 people to shore throughout January. Lake Macquarie recorded the highest number of missions in the region, with 78 rescues, followed by the Central Coast (42) and Port Stephens (40).

While the Hunter and Central Coast remained busy, the overall decrease in demand for rescues across most regions was a positive sign. Following a frantic December that saw 710 rescues statewide, January’s total of 662 missions was the lowest since 2020.

Commissioner Barrell reiterated the importance of Logging On, a simple yet life-saving step that allows Marine Rescue NSW to monitor a vessel’s return and initiate a search if necessary.

“Almost 9,000 vessels Logged On last month, and every boater should make it a habit before heading out. It only takes a minute using the free Marine Rescue NSW app or VHF Channel 16, but it can save vital time in an emergency,” he said.

With boating safety awareness on the rise, Marine Rescue NSW hopes to see further reductions in rescue numbers, ensuring more boaters enjoy their time on the water without incident.