Marine Rescue Cape Byron and Marine Rescue Brunswick are urging boaters to put safety first by checking-in with their local units before heading out on the water.
Marine Rescue Cape Byron members will be on-duty to serve the boating public every day over summer, while Marine Rescue Brunswick’s vessel will be available, should it be needed.
‘Our hardworking volunteers will be keeping watch, poised to respond to emergencies on the water,’ Cape Byron unit commander Terry Sandon said.
The Cape Byron unit maintains marine radio safety watches all the time.
Boaters need to take simple precautions to help ensure they return home, Terry said.
The measures include: checking marine weather conditions, ensuring everyone is wearing a life jacket, making sure their vessel is in good working order and logging on and off with the local marine rescue unit.
‘Let us know where you are going, and when you are due back. If you’re not back as expected, our crews will start to search for you,’ Terry said. ‘You can contact the volunteers at Marine Rescue Cape Byron and Brunswick by VHF marine radio, which we recommend for its superior coverage and reception’, Terry said.
Boaters can also contact both stations, any time, on 66808417 or log on/log off via the free, easy-to-use Marine Rescue app for smartphones and tablets.
In a life-threatening emergency, call Triple Zero or make a Mayday call on your marine radio on VHF channel 16.
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