The Lake Macquarie region has been identified as the waterway where boaters are most likely to require assistance in NSW, as almost a third of Marine Rescue NSW units experienced record demand last year. The Lake Macquarie unit conducted over 594 search and rescue missions, outperforming the Marine Rescue Sydney’s 493 missions.
Volunteer crews executed 4,512 search and rescue missions statewide and safely returned nearly 10,000 people to shore during 2025. The five busiest Marine Rescue NSW units for search and rescue missions were:
- Lake Macquarie – 594
- Sydney – 493
- Botany Port Hacking – 396
- Middle Harbour – 254
- Port Jackson – 243
Fourteen out of the 46 Marine Rescue NSW units across the state faced unparalleled demand. Units like Point Danger, Nambucca, and Lord Howe Island saw significant increases in activity. Greater Sydney was the busiest area, with volunteers undertaking 1,737 search and rescue missions, and the Monaro region also recorded its busiest year.
Marine Rescue NSW attributed a six per cent reduction in incidents to increased boating education and boaters adhering to weather warnings, compared to 2023’s record high of 4,786 missions. Response incidents included missing person searches, vessel fires, and medical emergencies, with most responses being preventable through better boat maintenance. Engine, battery, and fuel issues remained the top causes for assistance requests.
In 2025, Marine Rescue NSW radio operators monitored approximately 270,000 individuals on 71,487 logged vessels, managing 226,946 radio calls. Boaters are reminded to log on and off with Marine Rescue NSW, wear lifejackets, ensure their vessel’s engine and battery are functioning, carry sufficient fuel, and check conditions before heading out.
Marine Rescue NSW also reached a volunteer milestone of more than 3,500, with 50 members under the age of 20, including 16-year-old Noah Blackwell, who joined to learn and contribute to the community.
Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib highlighted the constant demand on Marine Rescue volunteers, acknowledging their crucial role in maintaining safety on waterways and addressing recent tragedies at sea. He emphasised the need for boaters to be prepared and equipped for their outings, reinforcing the importance of wearing lifejackets and regular vessel checks.
Acting Commissioner Todd Andrews underscored the risks associated with boating and the vital role of radio operators in emergency situations. He encouraged boaters to prioritise safety by consistently undergoing boating safety education and adhering to preventive measures.
Noah Blackwell shared his positive experiences as a new volunteer, reflecting on the learning opportunities and community spirit he found within Marine Rescue.
“I joined Marine Rescue Botany Port Hacking to learn, give back to the community and spend time with dad. There is so much to learn including first aid and boating safety and I really enjoy learning how to drive the rescue vessel.”
The detailed breakdown of 2025 rescues across regions highlights significant efforts across Northern Rivers, Mid North Coast, Hunter/Central Coast, Greater Sydney, Illawarra, and Monaro regions, showcasing various successes and record-setting missions.
Boaters are encouraged to stay safe and informed as Marine Rescue NSW continues to serve the community through dedicated volunteer efforts.
Marine Rescue NSW Media: Alison Dunsford
For more information, visit the Marine Rescue NSW website.
@MarineRescue #MarineRescueNSW #SailingSafety #BoatSafety #VolunteerHeroes #NSWBoating
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