Marine Rescue NSW volunteers across the state have experienced their quietest August since 2019, as boaters heeded vital weather warnings.
Volunteer crews carried out 191 search and rescue missions last month, including 75 emergency responses, safely returning 317 people to shore.
Demand for assistance was 27% lower than the same month last year and 33% down on the busiest August on record in 2022.
“August saw long stretches of unfavourable weather. Boaters paid attention to the forecasts and wisely avoided putting themselves or others at risk,” said Marine Rescue NSW Deputy Commissioner Todd Andrews.
“Despite the reduced demand, our volunteers were tested with some significant missions in extremely challenging conditions last month.
“Marine Rescue NSW volunteers and vessels assisted in missing person searches off the Illawarra coast and Port Macquarie, our Shoalhaven crew rescued a sailor from the water during a vessel fire, and a crew from Marine Rescue Lord Howe Island saved two sailors in a marathon operation with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority.
A Marine Rescue Lord Howe Island crew was confronted with three to five-metre seas and 30-knot winds lee of the island during a marathon rescue mission in early August
“The skill and commitment our volunteers demonstrate in all circumstances and conditions deserves recognition. They are extraordinary people, serving their communities day and night,” he said.
Marine Rescue NSW radio operators managed 12,421 radio calls last month, including 12 MAYDAYs, while keeping watch over 12,625 people on board vessels that had Logged On.
“Logging On ensures our volunteers monitor a boater’s safe return, and if they fail to return as planned, a search will be initiated,” Deputy Commissioner Andrews said.
“All boaters should make Logging On with Marine Rescue NSW part of their pre-launch routine. It takes just a minute via the free Marine Rescue NSW app or over VHF channel 16.”
With spring arriving, Deputy Commissioner Andrews is encouraging boaters to prepare their vessels and safety equipment before heading out on the water.
“Giving your boat and gear a spring spruce-up could save your life. Service your vessel and lifejackets now and give your equipment a thorough clean, so you can boat with confidence and enjoy your time on the water,” he said.
Breakdown of August 2025 search & rescue missions across Marine Rescue NSW regions:
NORTHERN RIVERS – 22 search & rescue missions including 12 emergency responses with 37 people safely returned to shore across all 7 Northern Rivers units – Point Danger, Brunswick, Cape Byron, Ballina, Evans Head, Iluka Yamba & Wooli.
Number of search and rescue missions in locations of highest demand:
- Point Danger 9
- Ballina 5
- Iluka Yamba 4
Marine Rescue NSW vessel Ballina 30 returns over Ballina bar
MID NORTH COAST – 19 search & rescue missions including 13 emergency responses with 39 people safely returned to shore across all 9 Mid North Coast units – Woolgoolga, Coffs Harbour, Nambucca, Trial Bay, Lord Howe Island, Port Macquarie, Camden Haven, Crowdy Harrington & Forster Tuncurry.
Number of search and rescue missions in locations of highest demand:
- Port Macquarie 8
- Coffs Harbour 4
- Woolgoolga 2
Marine Rescue NSW vessel Coffs Harbour 30 returns a disabled vessel to safety – Image by Michael Woltschenko
HUNTER CENTRAL COAST – 47 search & rescue missions including 12 emergency responses with 75 people safely returned to shore across all 8 Hunter Central Coast units – Port Stephens, Lemon Tree Passage, Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Norah Head, Tuggerah Lakes, Brisbane Water & Terrigal.
Number of search and rescue missions in locations of highest demand:
- Lake Macquarie 26
- Brisbane Water 9
- Port Stephens 5
Newcastle 30 completes an evening rescue mission in August
GREATER SYDNEY – 77 search & rescue missions including 18 emergency responses with 134 people safely returned to shore across all 7 Greater Sydney units – Hawkesbury, Cottage Point, Broken Bay, Sydney – State Communications Centre, Middle Harbour, Port Jackson & Botany Port Hacking.
Number of search and rescue missions in locations of highest demand:
- Sydney State Communications Centre 29
- Botany Port Hacking 16
- Middle Harbour 11
ILLAWARRA – 17 search & rescue missions including 12 emergency responses with 20 people safely returned to shore across all 7 Illawarra units – Port Kembla, Shellharbour, Shoalhaven, Jervis Bay, Sussex Inlet, Ulladulla & Kioloa.
Number of search and rescue missions in locations of highest demand:
- Shoalhaven 4
- Jervis Bay 4
- Kioloa 2
- Ulladulla 2
- Shellharbour 2
- Port Kembla 2
A Marine Rescue Shoalhaven volunteer searches waters off Port Kembla
MONARO – 9 search & rescue missions including 8 emergency responses with 12 people safely returned to shore across all 8 Monaro units – Batemans Bay, Tuross Moruya, Narooma, Bermagui, Merimbula, Eden, Alpine Lakes & Moama.
Number of search and rescue missions in locations of highest demand:
- Batemans Bay 6
- Bermagui 2
- Narooma 1
Marine Rescue NSW is a volunteer based not-for-profit professional organisation dedicated to keeping boaters safe on the water and supporting local communities.
