Funds flow for rescue jet ski

15.04.2010

A RESCUE jet ski to be permanently moored in the Forster Marina is almost a third of the way to becoming a reality.

Since the Lower North Coast Surf Life Saving Branch took on a proposal by local businessmen to keep a jet ski, drag net and pontoon docked near the treacherous bar, a little over $8000 has been raised.

The plan was put into motion two months ago following the drowning death of fishing identity Reg Parker, who was thrown from his boat in rough seas near Tuncurry Breakwall on February 8.

Pleased with the amount raised so far, director of the Lower North Coast Surf Life Saving Branch Julie Wilcox said $25,000 is needed to buy the ski.

She said the orders have been in place for some time and all that is needed are the funds.

“We’ve got really well qualified people who are willing to go out into these hazardous conditions and what we want to do is provide them with the best possible equipment available to us,” Ms Wilcox said.

Great Lakes Council has eliminated leasing costs to the service, providing a permanent mooring at the site free of charge.

Member for Paterson, Bob Baldwin, has also jumped aboard the plan writing to the Prime Minister for the allocation of funds to this vital service.

“In an area that survives on the majesty of its waterways we need something that you can take onto the bar and this being a small vessel means it ideal,” Mr Baldwin said.

“It sends a good message to the people in this town, holidaymakers and residents, that we take their safety very seriously.”

The Lower North Coast Branch has 30 experienced jet ski operators in its Support Operations Team who live and work close to the marina, able to be on the water within minutes of receiving a 000 call.

At present the nearest ski is at One Mile Beach and takes several minutes be hooked to a vehicle and driven to the marina where it must first be loaded into the water before it can be used in a rescue situation on the bar or Tuncurry Beach.

How to donate

IF you wish to donate Surf Life Saving Lower North Coast Branch has established a special account, number 989 446 505 with Newcastle Permanent.

Otherwise you can drop off your donation to the Forster Beach Caravan Park office.