The six coastal bars across the Northern Rivers are as beautiful as they are treacherous – gateways to adventure that demand respect from every skipper attempting to cross them.
Marine Rescue NSW Northern Rivers Inspector John Murray has seen first-hand how quickly conditions can turn dangerous on the region’s coastal bars – the Tweed River Bar, Brunswick River Bar, Richmond River Bar, Evans River Bar, Clarence River Bar and Wooli River Bar – and is urging local and visiting boaters to think twice before crossing this holiday season.
Plan, prepare, proceed
‘Boaters looking to cross coastal bars should stand off, check the conditions and then decide whether it is safe to proceed,’ Inspector Murray said. ‘It is best to cross on a run-in tide because there are fewer compression waves.’
Every coastal bar is different, and Murray said local knowledge is key.
‘Marine Rescue NSW encourages boaters to always seek advice from their local unit on the best options for going in or out in that particular area and what navigation aids are available.
‘The decision and responsibility to proceed always remain with the skipper of the vessel intending to cross the bar,’ he said.
‘If you’re holidaying at another coastal location and plan to cross a bar, please do your homework and never put yours or your passengers’ lives in danger.’
Risks
The risks of misjudging a crossing are severe. Capsized vessels can quickly turn a day on the water into a life-threatening emergency. Inspector Murray’s advice is simple but lifesaving: ‘Boaters must wear a lifejacket, stay with the vessel and grab hold of anything floating.’
Preparation, he said, is everything.
‘Engine and battery issues, and running out of fuel, account for more than half of the incidents Marine Rescue NSW responds to across the Northern Rivers, from Point Danger to Wooli. These are preventable issues. Boaters can easily reduce these types of incidents with better planning. Every safe trip starts before you hit the water.’
Skippers are urged to check their safety equipment and ensure it is in working order. ‘Conditions can change quickly,’ Murray said. ‘Assess, prepare and monitor — every time you go out.’
The message comes from experience. This summer, more than 400 dedicated Marine Rescue NSW volunteers will serve the Northern Rivers on rescue vessels and in radio rooms across seven units — Marine Rescue Point Danger, Brunswick, Cape Byron, Ballina, Evans Head, Iluka Yamba and Wooli.
Dedicated Marine Rescue NSW radio operators manage communications during missions while highly skilled vessel crews perform the rescues.
Last summer (1 December to 28 February), volunteers across the region performed 118 search and rescue missions, including 58 emergency responses, safely returning 305 people to shore and keeping watch over almost 4,500 Logged On vessels.
Log on
Marine Rescue NSW Acting Commissioner Todd Andrews said the simplest safety step any boater can take is to Log On before heading out.
‘When a boater Logs On, they share details of their trip and expected return time. If they don’t return as planned, a search will be initiated.
‘Logging On saves vital time in an emergency and can be done via the free Marine Rescue NSW app or on VHF channel 16. It only takes a minute to Log On to protect a lifetime.
‘We want people to have an enjoyable time on the water and get home safely. A skipper who chooses to cancel or adjust a trip in poor conditions shows good leadership. If you’re unsure, don’t go out,’ he said.
Marine Rescue NSW is a volunteer based not-for-profit professional organisation dedicated to keeping boaters safe on the water and supporting local communities.
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