Marine Rescue holds Camden Haven Open Day

DESPITE being only halfway through the year, Marine Rescue Camden Haven have already completed 11 search and rescue missions, exceeding the eight missions recorded across all of 2025, with those operations helping return 19 adults and nine children to safety.

Over the same period, volunteers monitored 510 logged-on voyages, compared with 708 for the whole of 2025, highlighting the importance of regular radio watch and the Marine Rescue Log On service for boaters heading out on local waterways.

The most recent statistics indicate that on average 49 people drown in Australia each year while using boats and watercraft, with the majority of the fatalities not wearing lifejackets.

To keep the community safe on the water the local unit is promoting safety through two events this weekend.

On 15 August the unit will host a free expo at Laurieton United Services Club from 10am to 1pm, with the theme of water safety.

Marine Rescue volunteers and specialists will be available to answer questions about vessel operation and maintenance, vessel safety, radio use and navigation.

The following day, 16 August, during the Laurieton Riverwalk Markets, the Camden Haven unit will be open to the public from 10am to 1pm.

Visitors will be able to view displays on safe navigation, electronic navigation aids, radio room operations and incident management. Both unit vessels will also be on display.

“The expo and open day are an opportunity for residents to meet the volunteers, learn practical safety tips and see first-hand the work involved in helping keep the Camden Haven boating community safe,” said a unit spokesperson.

Australia is home to approximately 150 Marine Rescue units with the not-for-profit organisations funded by government, fundraising, sponsors and boating licence contributions.

By Rachael THORPE