Boaters on holiday in Camden Haven have demonstrated exceptional preparedness this season, as reported by NSW Inspector Rodney Page from Marine Rescue Camden Haven. Over the recent school holidays, there were no search and rescue operations conducted, and no emergencies were reported.
Insp. Page expressed his satisfaction, stating, “It’s remarkable that not a single vessel reported issues such as flat batteries, fuel shortages, or engine failures. This is the outcome we strive for with every unit.”
Despite the idyllic conditions over the long weekend, the overall boating activity was lower than in previous years due to unpredictable weather during the holidays. However, many boaters effectively utilized the Marine Rescue app to log their trips, reinforcing the importance of the campaign, “Prep Now, Boat Later.”
While most enjoyed their time on the water, a few incidents raised concerns. Sandra Tobin took to social media to share a warning after her son and daughter-in-law successfully rescued an elderly man and a young girl from the outgoing tide in Lake Cathie.
On October 5, Tobin’s family was at the lake, enjoying a day at the beach near the channel when they spotted trouble. “Within five minutes, my son and daughter-in-law had to leap into the lake to save an elderly man who was struggling to cross the channel while carrying a grandchild on his back,” she recounted.
The elderly man submerged multiple times before her son managed to pull him to safety. Meanwhile, her daughter-in-law had rescued the young girl. They used a board to bring both the man and the girl back to safety.
Fortunately, no medical assistance was required, and Tobin noted, “The man didn’t provide much information, other than that he was from Port Macquarie. He expressed his gratitude to my son before leaving.”
Tobin added that she has been concerned about the man’s well-being since the incident. Additionally, she mentioned another alarming event involving two children who encountered difficulties at the lake entrance last Monday, prompting her to suggest that a lifeguard service may be necessary during holiday periods at the lake, similar to what is available at the beach.
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