Marine Rescue NSW Volunteers Complete Record-Breaking October

fixed wings: there is simply no chance of him ever plummeting from the sky, regardless of how close he gets to the sun. His writings ‘hold up’ in such a way you’d swear they were penned by someone earlier this year and not someone from over four centuries ago.

The book itself has assumed the status of an oracle, such is its held esteem in learned circles. Oracles being the age-old medium in which prophecies, albeit timely advice were given, if not cryptically transferred. The way Gracian unpacks a thought and somehow meanders through such expansive philosophical terrain, with such few words is enough to warrant a read, whether or not you are looking for answers to life’s myriad questions.

A copy of Gracian’s Worldly Wisdom should be given to us all at some stage; not one page contains something (much of which has already entered the realm of popular adage) that doesn’t leap into your awareness like a tailored morsel of pure insight and guidance. Because being exposed to someone who thinks clearly, or dare I say wisely, is a treat as rare and invigorating today as it was in Gracian’s own time.

Fittingly, he was to say, “What a sad age this is, when virtue is rare and malice is common. The prudent must live as best they can, though not as they would like. May they prefer what luck granted them to what it withheld!... This life is a zero: by itself it is nothing. Add the heavens, and it is much.

Our lives fold and unfold like theatre, so be careful to end well.”

ROBERT HEYWARD

Marine Rescue NSW volunteers achieved a new milestone in October 2024, completing 388 search and rescue missions, including 94 emergency responses, making it their busiest October on record. This surpasses the previous high of 384 missions set in October 2023.

Volunteers Save Lives Across the State

Marine Rescue

NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell praised the tireless efforts of volunteers who safely returned 875 people to shore during a demanding month.

“The demand for assistance was high and is expected to remain so as we head into summer,” Commissioner Barrell said.

“Mechanical failures, which accounted for almost half the incidents, are preventable. Boaters should ensure their vessels are in good working order before heading out.”

Record Demand in Northern Rivers and Hunter Central Coast

Two regions experienced their busiest October ever:

• Northern Rivers: Crews completed 32 missions, including 9 emergency responses, rescuing 76 people. Key locations included: o Ballina (11 missions) o Point Danger (10 missions) o Iluka Yamba (8 missions)

• Hunter Central Coast: Volunteers handled 127 missions, including 26 emergency responses, rescuing 270 people. Key locations included: o Lake Macquarie (64 missions) o Port Stephens (19 missions) o Central Coast (18 missions)

October Missions

Across Other Regions

• Greater Sydney: 155 missions, including 24 emergency responses, rescuing 380 people. o Key locations: Sydney State Communications Centre (45), Botany Port Hacking (40), Port Jackson (19). o Key locations: Port Kembla (12), Jervis Bay (9). o Key locations: Port Macquarie (12), Forster Tuncurry (4). o Key locations: Batemans Bay (7), Eden (3).

• Illawarra: 35 missions, including 17 emergency responses, rescuing 57 people.

• Mid North Coast: 23 missions, including 6 emergency responses, rescuing 54 people.

• Monaro: 16 missions, including 12 emergency responses, rescuing 38 people.

Advanced Tools and Technology Enhance Safety

Marine Rescue NSW handled 17,094 radio calls in October and tracked almost 23,500 people on Logged On vessels. Commissioner Barrell highlighted the importance of the Marine Rescue NSW app, a free tool recognized internationally for innovation in maritime safety.

“Logging On provides vital trip details, enabling us to monitor boater safety and initiate searches if necessary. The app has become a cornerstone of our rescue efforts,” Commissioner Barrell said.

Volunteer Dedication at the Core of Marine Rescue NSW Marine Rescue NSW, a volunteerbased not-for-proft organization, continues to demonstrate its unwavering commitment to protecting boaters and supporting communities. Boaters are encouraged to download the Marine Rescue NSW app and ensure their vessels are in top condition to avoid preventable incidents.

For more information, visit Marine Rescue NSW.