Shadow Minister for Volunteering Tjorn Sibma MLC met with the Busselton Volunteer Marine Rescue Group last week to talk about their operations and equipment.
The volunteer group told the shadow minister that unlike other emergency services which used flashing lights and sirens to let people know they were coming, the marine rescue group did not have this type of equipment.
“Nobody knows we are coming,” they said.
The volunteer group also support events which take place on Geographe Bay and performed three rescues during this year’s Race Week.
In tough weather conditions the volunteers went to the aid of one yacht which had tipped over forcing people in the water.
“It was quite traumatic but all our systems from our training come into place which was really good.
“The people could not get to their radio underwater but were able to call 000 from a mobile phone and that is when the rescue started happening.
“No-one knew they were in the water. It was the last boat in the race and unfortunately nobody was aware they had tipped until the 000 call came through to the water police.
“Because it was so low in the water and the waves were so high you could not see it, as soon as our guys got the call they went straight into search mode.
“The people in the water pushed one of the ladies onto the hull and our guys spotted her, it was the best feeling in the world.”
