Marine Rescue NSW volunteers have recorded their busiest August on record, capping an exceptionally busy winter as crews prepare for a surge in boating activity during the spring school holidays.
Volunteers across the state completed 273 search and rescue missions in August, including 97 emergency responses, safely returning 538 people to shore.
The record August surpassed the previous high of 267 missions recorded in August 2022.
Demand was also at record levels across the Hunter Central Coast and Monaro regions, as volunteers responded to an increase in calls for assistance.
Following the second busiest July in Marine Rescue NSW history, winter was the Service’s second busiest on record, with crews completing 762 missions and safely returning 1,593 people to shore.
The busiest winter on record was 2023, when Marine Rescue NSW crews performed 806 missions.
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Todd Andrews said the figures were a timely reminder that boating incidents could happen to anyone, and preparation was critical as hundreds of boaters found themselves needing assistance on the water.
“Our volunteers have experienced an exceptionally busy winter, culminating in a record August, and we are now preparing for another increase in activity as the weather warms up and families head out on the water during the spring school holidays,” Commissioner Andrews said.
“More than 3,500 Marine Rescue NSW volunteers at 46 units are on standby to assist boaters across the state, but the best rescue is the one that never has to happen.
“We want every boater to make safety a priority before they launch, check your vessel, equipment, the weather, always wear a lifejacket, and Log On with Marine Rescue NSW.”
During August, Marine Rescue NSW volunteer radio operators managed 19,731 radio calls, including four MAYDAYs and five PAN PANs, while keeping watch over 23,377 people aboard Logged On vessels.
Commissioner Andrews urged boaters to make Logging On part of their routine whenever they head onto the water.
“If the unexpected happens, Logging On gives rescuers a vital head start and, when it comes to emergencies, every second matters,” he said.
“We want Logging On to become second nature for every boater, a routine safety step that no one skips.
“Don’t be the person who overlooks it and finds themselves in a life-threatening situation. Logging On ensures our dedicated radio operators keep watch for your safe return.
“Logging On saves time, and time saves lives.”
Marine Rescue NSW is encouraging boaters to download the free Marine Rescue NSW app before heading away on holidays and Log On every time they hit the water, either through the app or via VHF Channel 16.
With the spring school holidays approaching, Commissioner Andrews said boaters should also take the opportunity to carry out some basic checks before launching.
“Our units across the state consistently notice an increase in activity by recreational boaters and paddlers during the spring holiday period,” he said.
“Our crews have been busy throughout winter responding to calls for assistance and undertaking training ahead of an expected busy spring and the beginning of the boating season in October.
“During the two-week spring holiday break last year, our crews were in extremely high demand, performing 348 search and rescue missions and safely returning 825 people to shore.
“Old fuel, tired batteries and poorly maintained engines are common reasons boaters end up stranded or in trouble on the water.
“A few simple checks before you leave can make the difference between a great day on the water and a call for help.
“If the weather or conditions aren’t favourable, don’t put yourself, your family or other people on the water at risk.
“The best rescue is the one that never has to happen, and that starts with being prepared,” Commissioner Andrews said.
August 2026 by the numbers:
- 273 search and rescue missions
- 97 emergency responses
- 538 people safely returned to shore
- 19,731 radio calls managed
- 23,377 people on board Logged On vessels
- 6,110 Log Ons
- 55 per cent of responses related to engine, battery and fuel issues
Breakdown of August 2026 search and rescue missions by region
NORTHERN RIVERS: 34 search & rescue missions including 22 emergency responses with 51 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 14, Ballina 5, Evans Head 4, Cape Byron 4
MID NORTH COAST: 26 search & rescue missions including 18 emergency responses with 54 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 11, Port Macquarie 9
HUNTER CENTRAL COAST: **REGION RECORD** 78 search & rescue missions including 21 emergency responses with 162 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 44, Port Stephens 14, Brisbane Water 9
GREATER SYDNEY: 94 search & rescue missions including 14 emergency responses with 204 people safely returned to shore across all 7 Greater Sydney units – Hawkesbury, Cottage Point, Broken Bay, Sydney – State Communications Centre, Port Jackson, Middle Harbour & Botany Port Hacking.
Locations of highest demand: Sydney State Communications Centre 24, Botany Port Hacking 22, Middle Harbour 13, Hawkesbury 12
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: Port Kembla 10, Shellharbour 3, Jervis Bay 3, Ulladulla 3
MONARO: **REGION RECORD** 19 search & rescue missions including 10 emergency responses with 30 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: Eden 5, Batemans Bay 4, Narooma 3, Bermagui 3
