THERE’S just over a month remaining in the boating season and marine rescuers are urging boaters not to become complacent.
Despite repeated warnings, 67 percent of rescues across all commands in February were the result of engine, battery and fuel issues.
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“It is concerning that two-thirds of the missions conducted by our volunteers last month were for preventable issues,” Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell said.
“Boaters need to ensure their vessel is in good working order every time they launch and that they have enough fuel on board, with some in reserve.
“Please don’t think for one minute, ‘I’ve got through the season without any issues, it won’t happen to me’.”
Marine Rescue Camden Haven was among the nine units across the Mid North Coast involved in 31 search and rescue missions, 17 of which were emergency responses.
A total of 65 people were safely returned to shore.
The greatest demand for help was in Forster-Tuncurry, followed by Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie.
Statewide, volunteers completed 415 search and rescue missions in February, including 114 emergency responses.
A total of 936 people were safely returned to shore.
In the same period, Marine Rescue NSW radio operators managed 19,013 radio calls and kept watch over more than 22,500 Logged On vessels.
The boating season began on 1 October, 2024 and finishes on Anzac Day.
By Sue STEPHENSON