Marine Rescue NSW volunteers across the state have experienced their busiest start to a boating season on record, performing 460 search and rescue missions in October — including 130 emergency responses — and safely returning 989 people to shore.
Acting Commissioner Todd Andrews said the figures were staggering and follow a record month in September, highlighting the sustained high demand for the Service’s operations.
“We have seen a 19% increase in demand for our services compared with the same month last year, which was previously our busiest October.
“Our 3,500 volunteers were in high demand last month, with boaters making the most of favourable weather during the second half of the spring holidays, including the long weekend,” Acting Commissioner Andrews said.
The boating season began on 1 October and runs through to ANZAC Day 2026.
“It is concerning that 44% of our responses were for engine failure. Being the start of the boating season, it is clear many skippers were caught out by a lack of maintenance and took to the water without ensuring their vessels were in good working order,” Acting Commissioner Andrews said.
“It is vitally important that boaters service their engines to reduce the risk of finding themselves and their passengers in a potentially life-threatening situation.”
