Three new rescue water craft boost for MR Brusnwisk and

Three new rescue water craft boost for MR Brunswick and MR Lake Macquarie

Grants help fund capability enhancement

In mid-October a convoy of three new Rescue Water Craft (RWCs) made their way north from Sydney to the Hunter and North Coast in a boost for the Lake Macquarie and Brunswick units ahead of the summer boating season.

The three Sea-Doo GTX-170 RWCs are powered by a 170hp engine with a top speed of 90 km/ hr, ensuring a swift response to any emergency. The new RWCs also have excellent manoeuvrability and the ability to operate in shallow water and on turbulent coastal bars.

Kitted out in new livery, the three RWCs come with an improved towline for use in rescues, portable radios and helmets, and are fitted with an Automatic Identification System (AIS) to track their location in real time, enabling more effective tasking to incidents.

Funding for the Brunswick vessels and trailers was achieved through the Federal Government’s Stronger Communities Programme Round 6, which is provided by the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources and the NSW State Government’s Office of Responsible Gambling Clubgrants Category 3 fund, with the Lake Macquarie RWC funded through the Federal Government’s Stronger Communities Programme Round 6 fund.

First to receive their new RWC was MR Lake Macquarie, with the delivery of LM12 by acting Greater Sydney Regional Operations Manager Brad Whittaker. LM12 is a sister craft to the existing LM13, and doubles the number of RWCs at the unit to two.

Training Officer Rolland Bennett said that the new RWC had arrived just in time for the busy summer boating season.

“Our existing RWC has proved its worth on the notorious Swansea Bar, and the addition of LM12 will provide a welcome further boost to our capability when we need it most,” he said.

“With a new rescue sled, towline and AIS, our volunteers will be able to respond to incidents on the water safer, faster and more effectively than ever.”

The other two RWCs were delivered to MR Brunswick by Fleet Officer Sean Jewiss. The two new RWCs, designated BR11 and BR12, replace two temporary older craft.

MR Brunswick Unit Commander Jonathan Wilcox said that the new RWCs were ideal for navigating the tricky waters of the Brunswick River.

“These new craft will allow our members to respond to incidents in rough conditions and at low tide that would normally be too dangerous for our larger vessel. This will boost our ability to save lives in the worst sea conditions, while keeping volunteers safer with the latest equipment,” he said.

“The arrival of these new craft means locals and visitors alike can undertake their chosen aquatic activities confident that should the worst occur, help is close at hand.”

MR Lake Macquarie member Rolland Bennett aboard LM12. Photo: Brad Whittaker

The three Sea-Doo GTX-170 RWCs are powered by a “ 170hp engine with a top speed of 90 km/hr“