MINISTER for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke on Friday presented volunteers from Marine Rescue NSW with the first of 2,040 state-of-the-art lifejackets to be issued to each Marine Rescue NSW crew member.

Ms Cooke said the new resources have been funded by a $540,000 investment from the NSW Government to keep the Service’s volunteers safer on the water.

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“The last two boating seasons have been the busiest on record for Marine Rescue NSW, with volunteers responding to nearly 4,000 calls for emergency help last year alone,” Ms Cooke said.

“This investment in essential safety equipment will help our volunteers do their job more safely in all
weather conditions.”

Deputy Commissioner Alex Barrell said the new Baltic Legend 190 lifejackets are a significant improvement over the current model.

“These new lifejackets have a greatly improved buoyancy of 190 Newtons over the existing lifejackets, and also offer our crew members a more comfortable fit, ID pocket and high visibility in the water,” Deputy Commissioner Barrell said.

“With these new lifejackets we’re ready for what promises to be another extremely busy time on our waterways.

“Our members have trained hard over the winter break for the anticipated surge in people requiring assistance, the boating public can do their part by ensuring their vessel is in good condition, they have the right safety equipment and have planned their day on the water before heading out.

“Most important of all, make sure everyone on board is wearing a lifejacket and Log On every time with Marine Rescue NSW on VHF Channel 16 or the Marine Rescue app.”