More than 400 Marine Rescue NSW volunteers will be ready to respond to emergency situations on the water across the Illawarra and Shoalhaven this long weekend. 

Marine Rescue units across NSW are expecting a large number of people to hit the region’s waterways over the weekened, as Australia Day always brings large crowds to the water.

Port Kembla, Shellharbour, Shoalhaven, Jervis Bay, Sussex Inlet, Ulladulla and Kiola units are ready to respond following last year's efforts on 26 January when units made 33 rescues. 

Many vessels make their way offshore from Wollongong all the way down to Kiola, including inland waterways such as Lake Illawarra, Burrill Lake, Lake Conjola and St Georges Basin. 

Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Stuart Massey says, “check that your safety equipment is all good and also don’t forget to Log On and Log Off with Marine Rescue NSW.” Ensuring your engine and battery are in good, working condition before heading out is crucial to your safety on the water. 

Logging On via the Marine Rescue App or VHF channel 16 will help to make sure volunteers can keep boaters safe, Logging On can save vital time in the event of an emergency. Massey encourages boaters to “keep an eye on conditions and always check them prior to going out.”

Marine Rescue NSW is a volunteer based not-for-profit professional organisation dedicated to keeping boaters safe on the water and supporting local communities.