Marine Rescue Brunswick says its rescue capability has been bolstered thanks to a new state-of-the-art life-saving device.
Marine Rescue NSW Northern Rivers Zone Duty Operations Manager John Murray said on Monday an Australian Government Stronger Communities Grant would be used to buy a motorised remote-controlled lifebuoy called a USafe.
It’s to be the first USafe for Marine Rescue volunteers on the Northern Rivers and is for rescue missions on the Brunswick River, Simpsons Creek, Marshalls Creek and offshore as well as other local waterways.
Mr Murray said the USafe cost $14,000 and that $10,000 came from the Stronger Communities Grant with community donations funding the remainder.
Marine Rescue Brunswick Unit Commander Jonathan Wilcock said the USafe would be a valuable life-saving tool for the Brunswick unit’s 76 volunteer members.
‘The USafe will assist rescue crews in locations where we may not be able to get a vessel, like close to rocks or in shallow waters,’ Mr Wilcock said via media release.
‘This incredible piece of equipment can assist with recovering people in the water or getting a tow line to a disabled vessel in a challenging location,’ Mr Wilcock said.
‘The USafe has a 300 metre working range and can transport up to 160kgs of buoyancy,’ he said.
‘It also features a variable speed motor so our rescue crews can approach a person gently or steer around hazards in the water.’
The new USafe was expected to arrive in the coming weeks, with volunteers receiving training in the meantime.
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