New era for Marine Rescue Alpine Lakes volunteers at Lake Eucumbene
by Marine Rescue NSW 15 Mar 22:57 PDT
AL 20 can reach speeds of 35 to 40 knots © Marine Rescue NSW
Boating safety and emergency response capability in the Snowy Mountains has been significantly strengthened, with a new base for Marine Rescue Alpine Lakes officially opened and the replacement vessel Alpine Lakes 20 formally commissioned on the shores of Lake Eucumbene at Buckenderra Holiday Village.
The 102-square-metre facility, which will house the $308,730 replacement rescue vessel, was officially opened by the Member for Monaro, Steve Whan, alongside Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner, Todd Andrews.
Funded through a $69,000 grant from Bendigo Bank - Community Bank Cooma and located on land generously allocated by Buckenderra Holiday Village, the new base delivers secure vessel storage and sustainable, solar-powered operations. The solar installation was made possible through the combined support of Bendigo Bank - Community Bank Cooma and the NSW Government's Community Building Partnership Program.
Together with the commissioning of Alpine Lakes 20, it marks a major capability enhancement for the region.
The commissioning formally welcomes Alpine Lakes 20 into the Marine Rescue NSW fleet, a vital step in recognising the vessel's operational readiness and its critical role in saving lives on alpine waters.
Commissioner Andrews said the dual milestone represented a significant investment in volunteer capability and community safety.
"This is a proud moment for our dedicated volunteers and for the entire Snowy Mountains community," Commissioner Andrews said.
"We are deeply grateful to Buckenderra Holiday Village and Bendigo Bank for their generosity and vision in supporting this facility, which will provide reassurance to everyone enjoying the waters of Lake Eucumbene.
"We also acknowledge the ongoing support of the NSW Government in ensuring our 3,500 volunteers across the state are rescue ready 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
"The Alpine Lakes region presents extreme and rapidly changing conditions. Our volunteers operate across Lake Eucumbene and Lake Jindabyne in environments that can be bitterly cold in winter and intensely hot in summer. This new base and purpose-built vessel ensure they can respond safely, swiftly and effectively in all seasons."
Alpine Lakes 20 is the first vessel of its kind designed specifically for the alpine waters and unique operating environment faced by Marine Rescue NSW crews in the region.
The 6.8-metre Gray's Marine and Welding CNC-plated rescue vessel is powered by twin Suzuki 140 horsepower engines and can reach speeds of 35 to 40 knots, enabling rapid deployment. A 400-litre fuel tank allows for extended operations, while its hull design enables it to cut cleanly through rough and choppy alpine waters.
The vessel features a full Raymarine suite of search and rescue technology, including radar, side scan sonar and a FLIR rotating thermal imaging camera with field-of-view functionality and target lock capability, significantly enhancing crew situational awareness during search operations.
A strengthened bow and fold-out ladder allow crews to beach the vessel and safely embark or disembark patients without entering freezing water. The wider, open deck layout maximises space for casualty care, including the ability to manage serious medical emergencies such as cardiac arrest.
Unit Commander Cain Hopwood said the vessel had already proven its value.
"This purpose-built vessel has exceeded our expectations in both handling and ease of launch," he said.
"It can be deployed quickly, which is critical when minutes matter. Being trailerable and capable of launching over difficult terrain means we can respond wherever we are needed," Unit Commander Hopwood said.
"Having Alpine Lakes 20 stationed at our new Buckenderra base significantly reduces transit times to incidents on Lake Eucumbene. Previously, our volunteers were required to collect a vessel from Lake Jindabyne and tow it before launch. This new base and replacement vessel are two vitally important lifesaving assets for our region.
"Our volunteers are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They give up their time, day or night, in all weather conditions to ensure others return home safely. This investment supports their commitment and strengthens our ability to serve the community," he said.
Mr Whan commended the dedication of local volunteers and the strong collaboration that brought the project to fruition.
"The NSW Government is proud to stand behind the skilled and deeply committed volunteers at Marine Rescue Alpine Lakes.
"These men and women answer the call at any hour, in biting winter winds and in the height of summer, to assist those in distress on our waterways. Their professionalism, courage and selfless service reflect the very best of our regional communities.
"The delivery of this new base, alongside a purpose-built rescue vessel, ensures volunteers have modern, fit-for-purpose facilities and equipment to continue safeguarding locals and visitors alike.
"We're also pleased that the Community Building Partnership Program has helped power the new base through the installation of solar, supporting both operational capability and sustainability into the future," he said.
Mr Whan also reminded boaters of the importance of preparing properly before heading onto alpine waters:
- Always wear a lifejacket
- Check your safety equipment, Marine Rescue NSW recommends carrying an EPIRB on alpine waters
- Check weather forecasts and conditions, winds can develop quickly and submerged hazards may be present
- Maintain a safe speed and proper lookout, particularly given changing water levels
- Carry additional warm clothing
- Ensure your vessel is serviced and properly maintained, as fluids can thicken in cold conditions
- Avoid overloading and distribute weight evenly to reduce the risk of capsizing
Marine Rescue NSW is a volunteer based not-for-profit professional organisation dedicated to keeping boaters safe on the water and supporting local communities.