After 47 years of service to the community, Kiama SLSC’s Surf Rescue 50 has officially closed its operations, with the jet boat to be replaced by a jet ski provided by Surf Life Saving NSW (SLSNSW).

Kiama’s boat, and the only other remaining Surf Rescue boats in the state in Ballina and Sydney, were stood down in February as the result of SLSNSW conducting a review into the risks associated with providing the service.

The decision to end Surf Rescue 50 was taken by the Kiama SLSC at its AGM last weekend.

“SLSNSW said even if we got it back on the water [after meeting an extensive list of training, maintenance and technical requirements], its capability would be restricted to daylight, close to shore,” says Club President Ben George.

Even though it was designed for rescue in and around the surf break, the powerful boat has been able to go further out when necessary and operate at night.

“So its capability would be reduced, no matter what we were going to do,” says Ben.

“On top of that, SLSNSW said that the service would cease in June 2024 regardless of what we decided, and in the final year it would have to be entirely funded by the Club.

“The reality was it was closing in just under two years, no matter what Kiama decided.”

Despite this, the decision was not taken lightly given the proud history of the service and the regard in which it is held throughout the community.

“It has been a really tough conversation as there is a lot of emotion and passion about our service,” says Ben.

“Over the years those guys have done an amazing job putting their own lives at risk and saving countless lives. Full credit is due to them for what they have done for this area and the region. Kiama, as a club and the community, is very proud of them.

“This decision has never been about the past and the commitment, it has been about what is the right thing moving forward.”

Surf Rescue 50’s Captain, Brad Dawson, who has led a team of around 20 volunteers drawn from Warilla, Shellharbour, Kiama downs, Kiama and Gerringong SLSCs, says, “In the unit’s 47 years of operations countless lives had been saved through patrolling actions and emergency callouts.

“None of which would be possible without our loyal and dedicated crew and supporters over all those years to those people we say thank you.

“Our members are looking forward to the new challenges of being trained in jet ski operations. They can be used by one person, and are more agile and have a quicker launch time.”

Marine Rescue NSW will continue to provide the service further offshore, through its Shellharbour facilities that are being upgraded at the new Marina and its base at Currarong, with the surf clubs and other emergency services helping closer to shore.

“When an instance occurs we are going to have to work with emergency services to work out what is the best way to deploy assets around here to effect a rescue,” says Ben.

“SLSNSW’s remit is now inshore, using IRB (rubber ducky) or jet ski.”

The emergency support service is managed through the South Coast Branch, with club members on call.

The new jet ski, Kiama SLSC’s first, is soon to be delivered to Kiama, and initially will be based at the Harbour. Kiama Downs SLSC already has a jet ski.