Marine Rescue NSW volunteers have recorded their busiest August on record, capping an exceptionally busy winter as crews prepare for a surge in boating activity during the Spring school holidays.
Volunteers across the state completed 273 search and rescue missions in August, including 97 emergency responses, safely returning 538 people to shore.
The record August surpassed the previous high of 267 missions recorded in August 2022.
Demand was also at record levels across the Hunter Central Coast and Monaro regions, as volunteers responded to an increase in calls for assistance.
Following the second busiest July in Marine Rescue NSW history, winter was the Service's second busiest on record, with crews completing 762 missions and safely returning 1,593 people to shore.
The busiest winter on record was 2023, when Marine Rescue NSW crews performed 806 missions.
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Todd Andrews said the figures were a timely reminder that boating incidents could happen to anyone, and preparation was critical as hundreds of boaters found themselves needing assistance on the water.
“Our volunteers have experienced an exceptionally busy winter, culminating in a record August, and we are now preparing for another increase in activity as the weather warms up and families head out on the water during the spring school holidays,” Commissioner Andrews said.
“More than 3,500 Marine Rescue NSW volunteers at 46 units are on standby to assist boaters across the state, but the best rescue is the one that never has to happen.
“We want every boater to make safety a priority before they launch, check your vessel, equipment, the weather, always wear a lifejacket, and Log On with Marine Rescue NSW.”
During August, Marine Rescue NSW volunteer radio operators managed 19,731 radio calls, including four MAYDAYs and five PAN PANs, while keeping watch over 23,377 people aboard Logged On vessels.
Commissioner Andrews urged boaters to make Logging On part of their routine whenever they head onto the water.
“If the unexpected happens, Logging On gives rescuers a vital head start and, when it comes to emergencies, every second matters,” he said.
“We want Logging On to become second nature for every boater, a routine safety step that no one skips.
“Don’t be the person who overlooks it and finds themselves in a life-threatening situation. Logging On ensures our dedicated radio operators keep watch for your safe return.
“Logging On saves time, and time saves lives.”
Marine Rescue NSW is encouraging boaters to download the free Marine Rescue NSW app before heading away on holidays and Log On every time they hit the water, either through the app or via VHF Channel 16.
With the spring school holidays approaching, Commissioner Andrews said boaters should also take the opportunity to carry out some basic checks before launching.
“Our units across the state consistently notice an increase in activity by recreational boaters and paddlers during the spring holiday period,” he said.
“Our crews have been busy throughout winter responding to calls for assistance and undertaking training ahead of an expected busy spring and the beginning of the boating season in October.
“During the two-week spring holiday break last year, our crews were in extremely high demand, performing 348 search and rescue missions and safely returning 825 people to shore.
“Old fuel, tired batteries and poorly maintained engines are common reasons boaters end up stranded or in trouble on the water.
“A few simple checks before you leave can make the difference between a great day on the water and a call for help.
“If the weather or conditions aren’t favourable, don’t put yourself, your family or other people on the water at risk.
“The best rescue is the one that never has to happen, and that starts with being prepared,” Commissioner Andrews said.
August 2026 by the numbers:
- 273 search and rescue missions
- 97 emergency responses
- 538 people safely returned to shore
- 19,731 radio calls managed
- 23,377 people on board Logged On vessels
- 6,110 Log Ons
- 55 per cent of responses related to engine, battery and fuel issues
Breakdown of August 2026 search and rescue missions by region
GREATER SYDNEY: 94 search & rescue missions including 14 emergency responses with 204 people safely returned to shore across all 7 Greater Sydney units – Hawkesbury, Cottage Point, Broken Bay, Sydney – State Communications Centre, Port Jackson, Middle Harbour & Botany Port Hacking.
Locations of highest demand: Sydney State Communications Centre 24, Botany Port Hacking 22, Middle Harbour 13, Hawkesbury 12
HUNTER CENTRAL COAST: **REGION RECORD** 78 search & rescue missions including 21 emergency responses with 162 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.
Locations of highest demand: Lake Macquarie 44, Port Stephens 14, Brisbane Water 9
NORTHERN RIVERS: 34 search & rescue missions including 22 emergency responses with 51 people safely returned to shore across all 7 Northern Rivers units – Point Danger, Brunswick, Cape Byron, Ballina, Evans Head, Iluka Yamba & Wooli.
Locations of highest demand: Point Danger 14, Ballina 5, Evans Head 4, Cape Byron 4
MID NORTH COAST: 26 search & rescue missions including 18 emergency responses with 54 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.
Locations of highest demand: Coffs Harbour 11, Port Macquarie 9
ILLAWARRA: 22 search & rescue missions including 12 emergency responses with 37 people safely returned to shore across all 7 Illawarra units – Port Kembla, Shellharbour, Shoalhaven, Jervis Bay, Sussex Inlet, Ulladulla & Kioloa.
Locations of highest demand: Port Kembla 10, Shellharbour 3, Jervis Bay 3, Ulladulla 3
MONARO: **REGION RECORD** 19 search & rescue missions including 10 emergency responses with 30 people safely returned to shore across all 8 Monaro units – Batemans Bay, Tuross Moruya, Narooma, Bermagui, Merimbula, Eden, Alpine Lakes & Moama.
Locations of highest demand: Eden 5, Batemans Bay 4, Narooma 3, Bermagui 3
Marine Rescue NSW is a volunteer‑based, not‑for‑profit professional organisation dedicated to keeping boaters safe across the state.
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Log On/ Log Off
Log On & Off with Marine Rescue. It’s quick, simple and free. Log On whenever you’re heading out on the water and Log Off when you return. We’ll stand watch. If you don’t Log Off as planned, our volunteers will start searching for you.
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To Log On, call your Marine Rescue NSW base on VHF Channel 16 or use the free MarineRescue App. You can download the App at the App Store for Apple devices or Google Play for Androids.
You can always Log On, whether you’re out for a morning’s fishing, a day trip around your local area or cruising along the coastline. And it doesn’t matter if you’re on a tinnie, a cruiser, a yacht, a kayak, a canoe or a jet ski.
When you Log On via, our radio operator will ask you for some basic information about your vessel, your destination and contacts.
You’ll enter the same details on your smartphone or other device if you’re using the MarineRescue app. If you don’t Log Off, this information will help us find you, whether you’ve simply forgotten to Log Off when you returned to shore or you’re caught in an emergency and need help fast.
Tell us:
- Your boat registration number
- Where you’re leaving from
- Where you’re heading
- What time you plan to return
- The number of people on board
- Your mobile phone number
If the fish are biting and you decide to stay out longer, simply call the base on VHF Ch 16 or use the MarineRescue App to update your arrival time.
Remember to Log Off when you’re back on shore. If you haven’t let us know you’re back safely, we’ll start to look for you. We’ll try calling you first up, just in case you’ve forgotten to Log Off and headed home with your catch. That’s the best outcome. If we get no answer, we’ll step up the response.
When you Log On via the App, choose the live safety tracking option so your position is updated in our vessel tracking system every 30 minutes. This means that in an emergency, our rescue crews will have a starting point for a search operation, based on your last known position, saving valuable time when minutes can mean the difference between life and death.
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Skeds
If you’re travelling along the coastline, we encourage you to establish a voyage plan with Marine Rescue NSW and an offshore tracking schedule for you to check in (to ‘sked’) with our bases along your route. This lets us know that you’re travelling safely, on schedule and not in need of emergency help. We’ll keep track of your progress until you safely arrive at your destination in NSW or we hand you over to the marine rescue service in the next State if you’re travelling further north or south.
Preparing to go on the water
As the skipper, you're responsible for safety of the vessel and people on board. Be prepared to keep everyone safe and enjoy time on the water.
Carry enough lifejackets
Wearing a lifejacket can save your life. Make sure your vessel is carrying enough approved lifejackets for everyone on board. They must be in good condition and quick and easy to access.
Always wear a lifejacket while on the water. This means that you'll be more prepared for unexpected events, such as suddenly falling into the water.
The rules for wearing a lifejacket depend on your vessel, where you are and the level of risk.
Know the rules
Before you go out, make sure you know the rules and regulations for using NSW waterways. Key rules to help you stay safe and avoid collisions including:
- keeping a proper lookout for hazards
- knowing who you must give way to and when
- identifying and obeying navigation marks, lights and sounds
- travelling at a safe speed and keeping a safe distance between your vessel and other people, vessels and objects
- staying under the legal limit for alcohol
- knowing the rules for towing a person on the water and towing a trailer on the road.
Check the weather
Always check the weather before you head out. Be aware of warnings, marine conditions, storms, winds, waves and tides. This can make the difference between an enjoyable day and an emergency situation. If in doubt, don't go out.
Let someone know
Before you leave, contact a friend or relative or use your marine radio to log on with a coastal radio base. Tell them:
- where you're going
- your estimated return time
- your vessel details
- how many people are on board.
Take extra care to let someone know if you are going out alone.
Report in if you extend or change your trip.
You can also use the MarineRescue app to log on and log off with Marine Rescue NSW.
Know what to do in an emergency
Being on the water can be unpredictable and dangerous. Be prepared for an emergency or incident, and know what to do and who to contact if you run into trouble.
If you're involved in or witness an incident, you must always stop and give as much help as possible. Depending on the severity of the incident – for example, if someone is injured – you may need to give information to authorities.
Marine Rescue NSW provides important services, including safety education, marine radio communication, and emergency search and rescue services.
Check your vessel
Check your vessel is in good working order, including the engine and lights. Check you have all the correct equipment on board before you leave home or launch your vessel.
If your vessel is registered, check the registration has not expired.
Check your vessel is suitable for the waterways you want to travel on. For example, if the vessel is designed for enclosed waters, it may not suit open waters or along the coast where waves are larger.
Check all hatches can be opened from both the inside and outside of the vessel. Keep all hatches unlocked while the vessel is underway.
Anyone driving your vessel should have the skills and experience to handle the vessel on the waterway you're using.
Have the correct safety equipment
Check you have the correct safety equipment on board for where you're going and your vessel type.
Make sure every item is in good condition and easy to access. Everyone on board should know its location and how to use it.
Plan where you want to go
Plan where you're going and know how long the trip will take. Be aware of any special waterways or designated areas. Check the location of harbours, ports and potential refuges from bad weather.
Take extra care in cold water, especially alpine waters, where your risk of cold shock and hypothermia are increased.
Build your experience by starting out on calm, quiet waterways. Take a more experienced person with you, if possible.
Make sure you have enough fuel. Plan to use a third to get there, a third to get home, and have a third in reserve for unexpected events.
Make sure you have a compass and up-to-date chart (or map) for the waterways you will be using, especially if you're going out on open waters.
You must have a chart or map if you plan to go out on open waters.
Prepare children
If you're taking children out on your vessel:
- Make sure they have a lifejacket and are wearing it when required.
- Teach them emergency procedures and drills, such as what to do if they fall overboard or the vessel capsizes.
- Show them where the safety equipment is, and teach them how to use emergency items, such as the marine radio, EPIRB and flares. Make sure they understand they must only use them in an emergency.
- Show them how to get in and out of dinghies and small boats while keeping them stable.
- Make sure they do not have any part of their body out of the vessel when it's underway.
- Teach them about keeping a proper lookout and a safe distance from other vessels.
- If you're planning to tow, make sure they know the rules for towing people aged under 16.
- Carry everything they need to be prepared for all types of weather.
- Consider the risk of seasickness, especially if you're going out on choppy water.
- Teach children about lifejackets and sunscreen.
Download boating apps
Boating apps give you quick access to helpful information about waterways on your smartphone or tablet. For example, boat ramps, speed zones, navigation aids, weather, special events and safety advice.
Transport for NSW endorses Deckee, available for free via the Apple Store and Google Play. The Deckee app includes maps showing boat ramps, speed zones, navigational aids. It also has access to a live data feed from Transport for NSW that captures alerts, marine notices and campaigns.
Marine Rescue NSW
Marine Rescue NSW is the State’s official volunteer marine rescue service. The Marine Rescue App allows you to register details of your next boating trip.