Grant for Coastal Patrol

The Central Coast division of the Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol has been awarded $10,000 in State Government funding.

Public relations officer Mr Richard Manning said the grant would go towards the cost and fit-out of the patrol's newest rescue vessels.

"With this assistance and the help of many individuals and several organisations in our local community, Central Coast Lifeboat is now fully capable of participating in the most demanding of off shore search and rescue activities," Mr Manning said.

"The skill and dedication of both radio operators and boat crews is now matched by a vessel that is purpose-designed, locally-built, and of proven capacity to cater for the needs of our boating community including many boating visitors to the Coast.

"The amazing response from the community to fundraisers like our current raffle of a runabout boat is what enables us to maintain and operate our up-to-the-minute equipment."

Ms Andrews said she thanked the local volunteers of coastal patrol for their commitment to local residents and the many thousands of boating visitors.

"These men and women generously donate their time to provide radio monitoring 12 hours a day, Monday to Thursday, and continuous 24-hour radio coverage Friday, Saturday and until 6pm on Sundays and public holidays," Ms Andrews said.

"Search and Rescue personnel are on duty or on call to crew the rescue vessels 24 hours a day, venturing out, often in hazardous conditions, to help others in trouble."

Press release, 10 Jul 2009 Richard Manning, Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol Press release, 9 Jul 2009 Marie Andrews, Member for Gosford