New replacement vessel arrives at Marine Rescue Alpine Lakes

Marine Rescue NSW vessel Alpine Lakes 20 hits Lake Jindabyne for the first time © Marine Rescue NSW

Volunteers at Marine Rescue Alpine Lakes have begun induction and training on the unit's new rescue vessel Alpine Lakes 20.

The Gray's Marine and Welding built boat was delivered to the Alpine Lakes unit this week and Marine Rescue NSW Monaro Inspector Glenn Sullivan said crews immediately began learning the new vessel on Lake Jindabyne.

"Our volunteers were blown away by the size and quality of the new 6.8 metre vessel.

"Once they got out on the water they were impressed with the room inside the cabin, the space on the back deck and latest search and rescue technology on board," he said.

Marine Rescue Alpine Lakes volunteers undergo induction on the new replacement vessel - photo © Marine Rescue NSW

Inspector Sullivan said the purpose built first of its kind vessel surpassed the unit's expectations with its handling and ease of launch.

"This vessel can be launched quickly which is vital for rapid response and our mission of saving lives on the water.

"We have commenced induction and training on the new Alpine Lakes 20.

"The vessel has been handed over the Unit Commander and our skippers at the unit to continue the process with all crew members on the vessel, once that is completed in the coming weeks the vessel will go into operational service," he said.

The ongoing financial support of the NSW Government has contributed to the cost of AL 20 to support the vital work of Marine Rescue NSW and its 3,300 volunteers.

Marine Rescue Alpine Lakes volunteer Adolf Franco is shown the ropes on the new vessel - photo © Marine Rescue NSW

Inspector Sullivan said Alpine Lakes 20 will be based at Lake Eucumbene once the Alpine Lakes unit's new facility is completed at Buckenderra later this year.

"We are grateful to the Buckenderra Holiday Village and Bendigo Bank for supporting the new facility which will provide reassurance for people enjoying the waters of Lake Eucumbene," he said.

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

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