Marine Rescue

Hawkesbury Marine Rescue is urging water users whether in a tinnie, cruiser, yacht, kayak, canoe, or a jet ski to use the free Marine Rescue App when out on the water.

A spokesman said it is  important for people to Log On whenever they are heading out on the water and to Log Off when they return, either using the free app or by calling the base on VHF Channel 16.

She said: “If you don’t Log Off as planned, we will start searching for you.”

In the previous 12 months Marine Rescue NSW had the second highest number of rescues on record, with 3,905 rescues and 8,599 people delivered safely to shore.

The Hawkesbury Unit alone has performed 70 rescues over the past 6 months, seeing a total of 192 people being brought safely to shore.

The 50 members of the Hawkesbury Unit  have invested 6,144 volunteer hours.

Using the free Marine Rescue App to log on and off is free.

When users Log On via the App and choose the live safety tracking option their position is updated in the vessel tracking system every 30 minutes. This means that in an emergency Marine rescue crews will have a starting point for a search operation, saving valuable time when minutes can mean the difference between life and death.

 If the fish are biting and you decide to stay out longer, simply call the base on VHF Ch 16 or use the Marine Rescue App to update your arrival time and remember to Log Off when you’re back on shore.

For more information visit www.marinerescuensw.com.au