Five call outs of the last two months capped off a quiet winter for Marine Rescue Port Macquarie.
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Greg Davies, unit commander for the Port Macquarie base said despite the members busily completing training there had been very few calls for help over winter.
“We are certainly down on last year in terms of getting calls for help,” Mr Davies said.
“That is obviously a good thing and probably a good indication our safety messages are getting through to people who are going out on the water. People are logging on when they head out and are keeping in touch with us out on the water.
“Over the last two months we have had only five calls of significance.
“Four were routine calls where we towed the boat back into the marina with no problem but we did have a single call for help that was serious.
“A boat user had been hit on the head and required medical attention so we were called to bring the yacht and crew back to land so he could receive medical attention.”
Mr Davies said that despite the small call out rate the unit is booming with volunteers.
“We are rapidly increasing our membership which is wonderful. We have lots of training happening with the boat crew and at the radio base as well as our fundraising members who are doing an excellent job,” he said.
“We recently drew our major raffle and it was great to see local winners, and for us it was good that we could raise $15,000 to continue to save lives on the water.”
What is upcoming for Marine Rescue Port Macquarie? Mr Davies said things are always moving along.
“There is never a dull moment in the unit.
“Currently we have lots of our members upskilling and improving their skills ahead of the summer season as well as new members taking their introduction courses to be fully qualified.”