Marine Rescue Broken Bay capability boosted by funding from CYCA SOLAS Trust
by Marine Rescue NSW 12 Dec 2023 22:48 PST
David Kellett AM addresses guests © Marine Rescue NSW
Marine Rescue Broken Bay has enhanced its operational capabilities following the completion of crew and training rooms and a dedicated administration area at its Bayview facility.
The internal fit-out of the spaces at the unit base was made possible through a generous grant of $42,551.00 from the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia SOLAS Trust.
SOLAS Trust Chair, Mr David Kellett AM said the grant was awarded to Marine Rescue Broken Bay as part of the Trust's long-term commitment to support Marine Rescue NSW's mission of saving lives on the water.
"The life-saving service provided to the boating community by Marine Rescue NSW is vitally important and forms some of the key pillars which led to the establishment of the SOLAS Trust.
"This grant to Marine Rescue Broken Bay is part of a larger $300,000 three-year funding commitment by the SOLAS Trust to bolster the essential community service provided by Marine Rescue NSW.
"We value our relationship with Marine Rescue NSW and thank the Service for its on-water assistance and use of its marine radio network during our sanctioned races on the state's coast," Mr Kellett said.
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell acknowledged the crucial role of the SOLAS Trust in supporting the Service's dedicated volunteers.
"The generosity of the SOLAS Trust is greatly appreciated and is vitally important to ensuring the safety of boaters and paddlers on the waters of Pittwater.
"In the first 11 months of this year, the Broken Bay unit has safely returned 283 people shore, completing 132 search and rescue missions including seven life-threatening emergencies.
"The newly equipped training and crew rooms will enhance the unit's ability to respond swiftly and effectively to emergencies on the water," Commissioner Barrell said.
Marine Rescue Broken Bay Unit Commander Jimmy Arteaga said the money provided by the SOLAS Trust has also allowed the unit to complete the administration area at the Bayview facility.
"These functional offices are integral to supporting on-water operations and provide a central hub for members to efficiently carry out tasks.
"The completion of the internal fit-out could not have come at a better time ahead of the expected busy holiday season.
"We encourage all boaters and paddlers to Log On with Marine Rescue NSW either via the free Marine Rescue app or VHF Marine Channel 16 and if you don't return as planned we will initiate a search.
"It only takes a minute to protect a lifetime, enjoy this summer like your life depends on it," Unit Commander Arteaga said.
The CYCA Sydney Hobart Yacht Race Safety of Life at Sea Trust was established by the Club and a number of the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia's then Directors following the tragic loss of six lives in the 1998 Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. Since its creation, the SOLAS Trust has raised more than $1.6m.
The Trust's objectives are to assist the immediate needs of families of those lost at sea during Australian Sailing sanctioned races, provide assistance to search and rescue organisations and foster research and training to improve procedures and equipment for use at sea.
Marine Rescue NSW is a volunteer based not-for-profit professional organisation dedicated to keeping boaters safe on the water and supporting local communities.