Community members from Cooma and surrounding towns are being encouraged to volunteer with Marine Rescue Alpine Lakes, following the opening of a purpose-built facility at Lake Eucumbene’s Buckenderra Holiday Village last month.
The new base, along with the addition of rescue vessel Alpine Lakes 20, significantly strengthens the unit’s capability, enabling faster and more efficient responses to incidents on Lake Eucumbene.
AL 20 on Lake Eucumbene
Marine Rescue Alpine Lakes has 23 volunteers, most based near Lake Jindabyne. Crews remain on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, responding to incidents across Lake Jindabyne, Lake Eucumbene and surrounding alpine waterways.
Unit Commander Cain Hopwood said the Buckenderra facility would make a substantial difference for volunteers from Cooma.
“One of the challenges for our Cooma members is that getting to Lake Jindabyne is a good 40-minute drive, so by the time they arrive, we’re often already out conducting a rescue mission,” Unit Commander Hopwood said.
Marine Rescue Alpine Lakes Unit Commander Cain Hopwood
“But this area is only 25 to 30 minutes from Cooma, so now we can actually recruit more members.
“It’s much more convenient for members from Cooma. They can come here to Buckenderra, contribute, take part in training and get out on the water without having to travel all the way to Lake Jindabyne.”
Previously, volunteers were required to tow a vessel from Lake Jindabyne before launching on Lake Eucumbene. The new facility, with Alpine Lakes 20 stationed on site, has significantly reduced response times.
“Having Alpine Lakes 20 stationed at our new Buckenderra base significantly reduces transit times to incidents on Lake Eucumbene,” Unit Commander Hopwood said.
Unit Commander Hopwood speaks with volunteers during a training exercise
Faster response times are critical on alpine waterways, where conditions can change rapidly and pose serious risks to boaters and paddlers.
Unit Commander Hopwood said increasing volunteer numbers from Cooma would further improve response capability and could ultimately save lives.
He also highlighted the importance of local knowledge.
“We need that local knowledge, and we’ll certainly provide it over time as we get out there and spend time on the water with you.
“But if you’re an angler who’s been here for years, you’re perfect, because the reality is, especially on Lake Eucumbene, there are many arms and hidden corners, and alpine waters can be quite treacherous,” he said.
“There are a lot of hidden hazards in the water, rocks, submerged trees and the like, so knowing your way around the lake is a real advantage.”
Unit Commander Hopwood said both the Lake Eucumbene and Lake Jindabyne bases are seeking volunteers from all backgrounds, with no prior boating experience required.
“You don’t need to be a boatie or someone who’s spent their whole life on the water,” he said.
“We’re open to everyone, of all ages and capabilities. We have retired people, young people, men and women, and you don’t have to be on the boats. You can help with administration or a range of other roles.
“We provide all the training you need to contribute and get out on the water with professional search and rescue equipment.”
He also said volunteering is also a valuable way to build community connections.
“This is an area where many people arrive for skiing and decide to stay. Joining Marine Rescue Alpine Lakes is a great way to build connections across the community, especially if you’re new to the region.”
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Todd Andrews said volunteering offers a wonderful opportunity to make a real difference.
“Volunteering with Marine Rescue New South Wales is an extremely rewarding experience,” Commissioner Andrews said.
“Our new volunteers can rest assured they’ll be provided with the training they need to feel comfortable and confident on the water in rescue and emergency situations.
“You don’t need to be a mariner to join. There are a wide range of roles available, from on-water operations to radio communications, administration and fundraising.
“If you’re thinking about becoming a volunteer, we strongly encourage you to get involved,” the Commissioner said.
Community members interested in volunteering with Marine Rescue Alpine Lakes can find out more at www.marinerescuensw.com.au/become-a-volunteer or email .
Marine Rescue NSW is a volunteer‑based, not‑for‑profit professional organisation dedicated to keeping boaters safe across the state. 3,500 trained volunteers support communities through search and rescue operations, marine radio monitoring and boating safety education.
