VMR: Hundreds rescued on our waters by saviours of the sea

The volunteer group is calling for boaters to join as 20,000 boats expected in the region this school holidays

STRONG winds, big seas, ripping current, a loaded trawler drifting without power - it's a familiar rescue scenario for volunteer Charles Linsley. Mr Linsley is a skipper with Volunteer Marine Rescue Mackay. And while not every would-be volunteer is after adventure on the high seas, there will be hundreds of different roles on offer at Mackay's first Volunteer Expo this Sunday (May 7). The goal of the Expo is to match potential volunteers to roles that suit them, their time constraints and their talents. The first ever Mackay Volunteer Expo will be held at the Senior Citizens Centre and on the Civic Precinct lawns. Running from 10am to 2pm, 51 volunteer organisations will be onsite showcasing roles available within their operations.

VOLUNTEER Marine Rescue Mackay responded to more than 100 calls for help at sea over the past 12 months.

The 104 calls ranged from requests for help to serious, live-saving and vessel-saving rescues.

But VMR Mackay public relations and marketing volunteer Daryl Howland said fewer than 10 per cent of the region's boaties were members.

He said they are expecting a potentially record-breaking 20,000 boats to visit the region during the school holidays and were calling out for boaties to become VMR Mackay members.

Mackay VMR volunteer Don Bowden. Picture: Rainee Shepperson.

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"Some boats will be out on the water for the first time in a while, which means potential dirty fuel issues, cracked hoses, cooling system problems, all the usual breakdowns from rarely used engines," Mr Howland said.

"It also means an increase in less-experienced boaters and that certainly increases potential problems at sea.

"Unlike onshore, breaking down at sea means you can't simply call mates or family to drive out to help.

VMR skipper Charles Linsley with survivor Chris Newlyn at Mackay Base Hospital.

"Weather can change quickly, winds pick up, it starts raining, you can drift even with an anchor, there are many challenges that are immediate when your engine stops.

"Add young children and spending a night floating on the ocean can be a very serious scenario."

Mr Howland said the $85 annual membership cost provided "peace of mind to loved ones onshore".

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He said VMR Mackay also encouraged boaters to have a an EPIRB and know how to test and use it, have a Marine Radio and know their local VHF channels and to check their boats before launching in the water.

Watch: How heroes of sky and sea work as one

VMR is a volunteer organisation with more than 90 per cent of funds raised by memberships, fundraisers and donations.

For more information, head to www.vmrmackay.org.au

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