Saving lives on the water is Marine Rescue Bermagui Unit Commander Jim Anderson’s main mission — but he’s equally focused on growing the unit’s volunteer numbers.
The South Coast unit currently has 32 volunteers, which Anderson admits is a little on the lean side. He’s encouraging more community members to join the service and help keep local waterways safe.
“Volunteers are crucial to the success of Marine Rescue Bermagui, and we have a wonderful group here — we just need to add to it,” he said.
“Additional volunteers would mean that the members already here wouldn’t have to put in quite as much time. Some of them are doing well above what we’d normally expect time-wise. The more members we have, the lighter the load for everyone.”
Anderson said the Bermagui unit operates as one big family.
“We have the family of crew on the rescue vessels, the family of radio operators and the fundraising family,” he said.
“As one area’s numbers decrease, we do everything we can to strengthen that part of the family. We’re a very happy group, and when an area of the operation is short on people power, the other members always chip in and help out.”
Marine Rescue Bermagui offers a variety of volunteer opportunities — from vessel crew to radio operations, fundraising, and unit support.
“Crew members are the volunteers who go out on the water on our rescue vessel,” Anderson explained.
“They respond to call-outs, tows and search and rescue missions, while radio operators monitor marine radio and provide communications support. New volunteers don’t need any boating experience — we teach them everything they need to know.
“On training days we make it enjoyable and give trainees plenty of time at the helm of the rescue vessel so they can get a real feel for the boat. More vessel crew means we can deploy faster to distress calls because there are more volunteers ready to respond.”
Whilst the Service receives some NSW Government funding, all 46 Marine Rescue NSW across the state rely on community fundraising to support local operating costs.
“Our costs include upkeep of the unit base, keeping the lights on, fuel, repairs and maintenance of the vessel,” Anderson said.
“It costs around $2,500 to service our rescue vessel, Bermagui 30 — an 11.5-metre Steber cabin cruiser powered by twin 360-horsepower Yanmar engines.”
He praised the small but dedicated team of fundraisers who help keep the unit running.
“Our fundraising family is an amazing group of people. They raise funds for the unit at a number of community events, run raffles, and fundraise at the monthly Bermagui Red Cross markets.”
Anderson said the unit is also hoping to attract the next generation of volunteers.
“It would be great to have some young people around,” he said.
People aged 17 and over can volunteer with Marine Rescue NSW. For more information, email , drop into the base, first floor at Fishermen’s Wharf or call the Unit Commander on 0417 248 724.
Marine Rescue NSW is a volunteer-based, not-for-profit professional organisation dedicated to keeping boaters safe on the water and supporting local communities.
