More than 7,000 people were safely returned to shore by Marine Rescue NSW volunteers during the 2025/26 boating season, as crews across the state responded to thousands of incidents on the water.
Marine Rescue Port Stephens volunteers assist a stricken motor cruiser in November
Between 1 October 2025 and ANZAC Day 2026, volunteers completed 3,147 search and rescue missions, assisting 7,059 people from the Tweed to Eden, as well as inland waterways including the Alpine Lakes and the Murray River at Moama.
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Todd Andrews said volunteers continued to meet strong demand across the state, answering calls for help around the clock.
“The demand on our volunteers across all regions remains high, but they continue to answer the call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, reuniting thousands of people with their families,” Commissioner Andrews said.
Marine Rescue Eden assist a yacht on Twofold Bay
He praised the commitment of volunteers across the Service’s 46 units, highlighting their vital role in keeping NSW boaters safe.
“Volunteers are the backbone of Marine Rescue NSW, giving their time, skills and experience to help ensure people return home safely,” Commissioner Andrews said.
“This boating season was exceptionally busy, yet our crews once again rose to the challenge with professionalism, dedication and care, safely returning more than 7,000 people to shore.
“Our rapid response capability, combined with ongoing boating safety education, plays a critical role in reducing risk on the water.
Marine Rescue Hawkesbury deploys to assist a disabled vessel
“What stands out most is the teamwork across radio operators, vessel crews and unit support volunteers, all working together seamlessly to assist thousands of boaters,” he said.
Greater Sydney recorded the highest operational demand, with volunteers completing a regional record 1,277 search and rescue missions and returning 3,171 people safely to shore. Volunteers at Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie were the busiest individual unit, carrying out 420 missions during the season.
Across NSW, volunteers responded to 86 medical emergencies, 220 groundings and 120 capsized vessels.
Volunteers across Greater Sydney completed a region record 1277 missions between Oct 1 and ANZAC Day
Commissioner Andrews said many incidents remained preventable.
“Engine, fuel and battery failures accounted for 62 per cent of responses, which is far too high.
“Many of these incidents could be avoided through regular maintenance and pre-departure checks. Every boater should ensure their vessel is in sound working order before heading out.
“The cooler months provide an ideal opportunity to service vessels and check that all safety equipment, including lifejackets, remains fit for purpose.
On board Marine Rescue NSW vessel Middle Harbour 30
“If you are boating during winter, preparation becomes even more important. Always wear a life jacket, carry extra warm clothing, monitor conditions closely and avoid complacency on the water,” he said.
Marine Rescue NSW radio operators handled 132,031 radio calls during the season, with many managed through the Marine Rescue Sydney State Communications Centre at Belrose.
Among those were 75 MAYDAY distress calls involving immediate danger to life, alongside 42 PAN PAN calls from boaters facing urgent but non-life-threatening situations.
Marine Rescue NSW radio operators managed more than 132000 calls during the 25-26 boating season
Logging On with Marine Rescue NSW remained a critical safety tool, with volunteers monitoring 170,608 people on board 46,824 Logged On vessels.
Commissioner Andrews urged all boaters to make Logging On part of every trip.
“I strongly encourage all boaters to Log On before heading out, either through the free app or via VHF Channel 16.
Volunteers from Marine Rescue Botany Port Hacking prepare to assist a boater off Bundeena
“It is a simple safety step that allows our radio operators to monitor your journey and act quickly if something goes wrong.
“During an emergency, every minute matters. Logging On gives rescuers a vital head start,” he said.
Marine Rescue NSW will launch its major MAYDAY fundraising campaign this Friday, calling on the community to help keep volunteers rescue-ready.
Volunteers at Marine Rescue Jervis Bay performed 77 missions during the season
Commissioner Andrews said that while Marine Rescue NSW receives funding from the NSW Government, the service also relies on the generous support of communities, partners and grant programmes.
“Our units cover a significant share of operational costs, and public donations play a vital role in supporting frontline boating safety.
“During May, we’re asking the community to answer the call and support Marine Rescue NSW in our mission to save lives on the water.”
Donations can be made at www.marinerescuensw.com.au/support-us/donate
Breakdown of 2025/26 boating season search & rescue missions across Marine Rescue NSW regions:
NORTHERN RIVERS:
204 search & rescue missions including 117 emergency responses with 451 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 104, Ballina 31, Iluka Yamba 25
MID NORTH COAST:
229 search & rescue missions including 109 emergency responses with 448 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:
Forster Tuncurry 73, Port Macquarie 41, Coffs Harbour 34
HUNTER CENTRAL COAST:
950 search & rescue missions including 220 emergency responses with 1,880 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 420, Brisbane Water 169, Port Stephens 151
GREATER SYDNEY: REGION RECORD
1,277 search & rescue missions including 185 emergency responses with 3,171 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 362, Botany Port Hacking 263, Middle Harbour 199, Port Jackson 191
ILLAWARRA:
303 search & rescue missions including 141 emergency responses with 660 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:
Port Kembla 77, Jervis Bay 77, Sussex Inlet 61
MONARO:
184 search & rescue missions including 104 emergency response with 449 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 63, Eden 35, Bermagui 34
Marine Rescue NSW is a volunteer‑based, not‑for‑profit professional organisation dedicated to keeping boaters safe across the state.
