More than 70 Marine Rescue NSW volunteers and staff will take part in a major multi-agency search and rescue exercise at Jervis Bay on Saturday 12 September, including a first-of-its-kind live rescue scenario involving multiple people in a life raft.
If you notice an unusually busy Bay this weekend, it’s because our local water-safety crew at Marine Rescue Jervis Bay are hosting a regional SAREX—search and rescue exercise—with no less than 14 vessels taking part.
Boats, jet skis, the Westpac rescue helicopter, the Australian Federal Police, NSW Marine Rescue, Surf Life Saving NSW and dozens of expert staff and volunteers will be simulating a live rescue of multiple people, for the first time.
In the raft waiting to be rescued will be Bronze Medallion members of SLSNSW. As they simulate the role of patients in immediate danger, the scenario will test the agencies involved to the limits.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Stuart Massey said the scenario would provide an unprecedented test for crews.
“This is a significant step up in the realism of our SAREX training, because for the first time we will have real people in a life raft acting as patients who need to be located and rescued.
“Mass casualty rescues are vitally important to practise, and having multiple people in a life raft will add an extra dimension to an already challenging scenario.
“The scenarios are designed to be as realistic as possible because when a real emergency happens, there is no opportunity to pause and reset.
“Our volunteers need to be sharp, calm and focused when they are tasked to respond in real life.”
Multiple scenarios will be unfolding in the Bay and also in the waters off Beecroft Peninsular and St Georges Head.
Marine Rescue NSW volunteer radio operators will also play a critical role throughout the exercise, managing communications between participating vessels and units.
More than 70 Marine Rescue NSW volunteers and staff will take part, with all seven (Port Kembla, Shellharbour, Shoalhaven, Jervis Bay, Sussex Inlet, Ulladulla and Kioloa) Illawarra region units represented.
Despite the large-scale exercise, all participating Marine Rescue NSW units will continue to maintain their normal radio and on-water response capability in their local areas.
“To members of the public and boaters who see us out there, don’t be alarmed, we are conducting a controlled exercise. “If you need assistance, contact Marine Rescue Jervis Bay or radio on VHF Channel 16. In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000),” Inspector Massey said.
Buy A Duck in the Derby
Marine Rescue Jervis Bay has started to sell ducks in their iconic Duck Derby that takes place in Moona Moona Creek on 26 January. Ducks are extremely popular and do sell out before race day.
The crew will be at Huskisson Markets this Sunday, 13 September where you can snag a duck for $5 and help raise vital funds to keep the fleet of rescue vessels for Jervis Bay in tip-top condition.
Look for the Marine Rescue gazebo in the sports fields on Kioloa Road, Huskisson from 8am-2pm.
