The Mandurah Volunteer Marine Rescue Group is on the lookout for more volunteers to join their ranks on the back of a busy 2017.
Last year the group attended 159 Police-authorised incidents, including distress calls, search and rescue incidents and recoveries.
They also assisted with 11 events including Mandurah Crab Fest, New Year’s Eve and the King of the Cut stand up paddle race.
City of Mandurah mayor Rhys Williams visited the group last month, applauding them on the service they provide to the community.
“Local emergency service volunteers, like the Mandurah Volunteer Marine Rescue Group, donate their time to protect our community and it’s so important to recognise the critical role they play,” he said.
“These volunteers represent what the Mandurah spirit is about, helping others, reaching out, and giving up valuable time for the community.
“We’re extremely proud that we have such incredible people in our community and it is important that we recognise their dedication and achievements – their efforts make our community better.”
The groups works closely with the WA Police Service, coordinating and performing search and rescue missions at sea and throughout the Peel Region waterways for the community.
Recent fundraising and grant applications resulted in a new navigation system being installed in their Westwide 1 vessel, a 10-metre Noosacat.
The system is a world-leading, fully integrated, electronics package designed to aid search and rescue operations.
The integration of the system with the Flir night vision camera allows the navigator to see in the dark and to identify persons or objects in the water, due to the infrared heat-seeking component of the system.
The group is always welcoming new members, which can be involved in a number of areas such as rescue crews, radio operators, equipment maintenance, public awareness or fund raising.
For details on membership or donations call 9535 4789.
