Five decades saving lives at sea

AFTER 50 years safeguarding local waters, the Queenscliff Coast Guard will mark its volunteer marine rescue anniversary with an open day next weekend.

The Coast Guard was formed in 1976, and for five decades its volunteer crew have stood ready to respond, day or night, to incidents across the region’s waterways.

In that time, the dedicated team has completed almost 2,400 rescues, brought more than 6,000 people home safely and saved more than $75 million in vessels.

In the last 12 months alone, the Coast Guard has assisted on 90 jobs, ranging from swimmers in distress and boating accidents to flat batteries.

Among them was the dramatic Point Lonsdale incident in April, which saw 17 swimmers caught in a dangerous rip. A joint effort that brought together the Coast Guard, Point Lonsdale Surf Life Saving Club, police and ambulance ensured everyone made it home safely despite conditions that could have quickly turned fatal.

Flotilla commander Chris Smith said it was an honour to lead the Queenscliff team of 56, many of whom maintain full-time jobs around their rescue responsibilities. The crew includes about 25 non-operational volunteers who also play a critical role in water safety education.

“There’s a hell of a lot of commitment and a lot of training that goes into our members.

“We’re continually called upon by the emergency services to participate in rescues because of our professionalism and the good training that we have.

“It doesn’t matter whether you’re in a workplace or a volunteer organisation, a sporting club, or anything else, right? If you’ve got great people around you that are all driving for the same outcome, and they’re all dedicated for the same cause, it makes it enjoyable.”

He said the milestone anniversary served as both a time to celebrate what the Coast Guard’s members have achieved and to recognise those who set the foundations that came before them.

“Our flotilla today is stronger and more capable than ever.

“New technology and advanced training, and close relationships with Water Police… and other services and local agencies enable us to respond in a way that is stronger, faster and more efficient than ever before.”

To help start a year of celebrations, the Coast Guard will throw open its doors to the public on Sunday, January 18. The event will include a community market, raffle prizes, the popular crayfish spinning wheel, rescue vessel tours and plenty of children’s activities.

“We’ve got a little bit for everyone,” Smith said.

Looking ahead to the Coast Guard’s next 50 years, Smith knows the community need for the rescue service will only continue and says people can remain confident the crew will be there, always ready to go.

“The Rip’s not going to go away, the ocean’s not going to go away. The community’s going to need a dedicated and committed service there to help them out in times of need,” he said.

“Everyone associated, even the community, can be proud of the service that’s provided out of the Coast Guard.

“Our work is mostly unseen as we go out to sea. We are not in your streets or neighbourhoods, but we are there 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”