Marine Rescue NSW records second busiest July on record
by Marine Rescue NSW 12 Aug 10:05 PDT
Marine Rescue NSW volunteers on board Port Stephens 31 assist a disabled vessel near Cabbage Tree Island © Marine Rescue NSW
Marine Rescue NSW volunteers completed their second busiest July on record, responding to 253 search and rescue missions across the state's waterways as favourable winter boating conditions encouraged more people onto the water last month.
The 253 missions were 12 shy of the record set in July 2023. Volunteers safely returned 512 people to shore, with 90 of the month's responses classified as emergencies.
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Todd Andrews said the figures reflected a busy month for volunteers across the state.
"Despite it being the middle of winter, favourable weather conditions saw plenty of boaters making the most of our waterways, resulting in a significant demand for our volunteers," Commissioner Andrews said.
"Our volunteers are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and once again demonstrated their commitment to keeping the boating community safe by responding whenever they were needed."
The Northern Rivers, Mid North Coast and Monaro regions each recorded their busiest July on record.
Marine Rescue Point Danger completed 19 of the Northern Rivers' 35 rescue missions, while volunteers on the Mid North Coast responded to 26 incidents. In the Monaro region, crews carried out 24 search and rescue missions, including 15 by Marine Rescue Batemans Bay, making it the fifth busiest unit in New South Wales during July.
Volunteers across the Hunter Central Coast, Greater Sydney and Illawarra regions also experienced sustained demand throughout the month.
Marine Rescue NSW radio operators were extremely busy in July, managing 18,921 radio calls, including four MAYDAYs and four PAN PANs, while maintaining a safety watch over 23,645 people onboard 5,831 Logged On vessels.
Commissioner Andrews encouraged all boaters to continue using Marine Rescue NSW's free Log On service before heading out.
"Logging On is one of the simplest and most effective safety measures available to boaters," he said.
"Whether you use the free Marine Rescue NSW app or Log On via VHF Channel 16, you'll be providing our radio operators with your trip details. If you don't return as planned, we know where to start looking, which can save valuable time in an emergency."
Mechanical issues continued to account for the majority of rescues, with engine, battery and fuel-related problems responsible for 57 per cent of all responses during July.
Commissioner Andrews welcomed the continued reduction in preventable breakdowns.
"While these issues remain the leading reason for our rescues, it's encouraging to see the proportion continuing to trend downwards," he said.
"Regular maintenance, carrying enough fuel for your trip and ensuring your battery is in good condition are simple steps that can help prevent an avoidable call for assistance."
Commissioner Andrews said winter remained an ideal time for boat owners to prepare their vessels ahead of spring.
"If your boat hasn't been on the water recently, now is the perfect opportunity to carry out maintenance and check that all your safety equipment is in good working order before your next trip," he said.
"Have your lifejackets serviced where required and always wear them correctly. During winter, put on your warm or wet-weather clothing first, then wear your lifejacket over the top so it can operate as designed."
With daylight saving still almost two months away, Commissioner Andrews also reminded boaters to plan around reduced daylight hours.
"Shorter winter days increase the risk of being caught on the water after dark," he said.
"Plan your trip carefully, allow plenty of time to return before nightfall and avoid navigating in darkness unless it is absolutely necessary."
July 2026 by the numbers:
- 253 search and rescue missions
- 90 emergency responses
- 512 people safely returned to shore
- 18,921 radio calls managed
- 23,645 people on board Logged On vessels
- 5,831 Log Ons
- 57 per cent of responses related to engine, battery and fuel issues
Breakdown of July 2026 search and rescue missions by region
Northern Rivers **Region Record**: 35 search & rescue missions including 20 emergency responses with 82 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 19, Evans Head 6, Cape Byron 3
Mid North Coast **Region Record**: 26 search & rescue missions including 13 emergency responses with 49 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 7, Crowdy Harrington 6, Forster Tuncurry 5, Port Macquarie 5
Hunter Central Coast: 71 search & rescue missions including 20 emergency responses with 139 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 31, Port Stephens 11, Brisbane Water 10
Greater Sydney: 75 search & rescue missions including 8 emergency responses with 157 people safely returned to shore across all 7 Greater Sydney units - Hawkesbury, Cottage Point, Broken Bay, Sydney - State Communications Centre, Middle Harbour, Port Jackson & Botany Port Hacking.
Locations of highest demand: Sydney State Communications Centre 25, Botany Port Hacking 19, Broken Bay 8, Middle Harbour 8, Port Jackson 8
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: Ulladulla 5, Jervis Bay 5, Sussex Inlet 4, Port Kembla 4
Monaro **Region Record**: 24 search & rescue missions including 17 emergency responses with 48 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: Batemans Bay 15, Eden 3, Tuross Moruya 2, Narooma 2