CHARITY SHOWCASE: Volunteers saving lives on the water

MARINE Rescue Lemon Tree Passage was set up nearly 57 years ago to support the local boating community. 

Its volunteers are part of a statewide not-for-profit organisation, dedicated to saving lives on the water.

The professional service provides 24/7 emergency search and rescue, as well as safe boating education and vessel monitoring services.

Marine Rescue NSW also operates the state’s only “Log On” and vessel tracking service, giving recreational boaters peace of mind that someone is keeping watch around the clock.

Crews continuously monitor marine radio for distress calls and respond quickly when help is needed.

Record demand

Lemon Tree Passage was among the 14 out of 46 Marine Rescue NSW units to experience record demand for volunteer services in 2025.

The unit performed 99 missions, surpassing its previous record of 83 set in 2023.

Volunteers are also available for boating safety education and advocacy, including NSW General Boat Driving Licence (GBL) theory courses and examinations and Personal Watercraft (PWC) licence theory courses and examinations.

Training is conducted at the Lemon Tree Passage Training Centre.

For details and bookings, visit licence.mrltp.au/.

Staying safe

Boaters are urged to take the following steps before heading out on the water.

• Log On and Off with Marine Rescue NSW via VHF Channel 16 or the free Marine Rescue NSW app (iOS & Android)
• Ensure everyone on board is wearing a lifejacket
• Check your vessel’s engine and battery
• Carry sufficient fuel, including a reserve
• Always check weather and conditions
• Ensure all required safety equipment is on board

Contact the team

VHF Channel: 16.

27MHz Channel: 88.

Call sign: Marine Rescue Lemon Tree Passage.

Address: 154 Whitbread Drive, Lemon Tree Passage NSW.

Phone: (02) 4982 4981 (between 6am and 6pm).

Email: lemontreepassage@marinerescuensw.com.au.

Website: marinerescuensw.com.au.

Donations: marinerescuensw.com.au/donate.