Marine Rescue wins grant for remote-controlled lifebuoy
Marine Rescue Central Coast has been awarded $14,300 to purchase a U-Safe remote-controlled lifebuoy.
Their grant application was successful in the 2021 Community Building Partnership program, said Member for Gosford Ms Liesl Tesch.
"Marine Rescue provides a critical and life-saving service to our communities," she said.
"The U-Safe, self-propelled, remote-controlled lifebuoy is cutting-edge Australian technology that will enhance the capability of Marine Rescue in hazardous conditions and assist in circumstances where lives are at risk.
"This funding will increase the capability of Marine Rescue on the Central Coast to respond to emergencies and improve outcomes for all of us."
Ms Tesch said the program required applicants to submit detailed information of their requests, followed by the Local Member's approval and assessment by an independent panel.
She said approving their application was a no-brainer.
Ms Tesch told the Marine Rescue members that their service to the community did not go unrecognised.
"We are so appreciative of the work you do to ensure safety, provide guidance and expert advice on our waterways."
Regional operations manager Mr Steve Raymond said: "The lifebuoy is a great addition to our unit, and we are looking forward to further evaluating its effectiveness as a rescue tool in a range of sea conditions and rescue scenarios."
Members Mr Mal Ralston and Ms Megan Loaney said the device would benefit rescue missions.
"This device will provide safety assurances to the local water users on the Central Coast," said Mr Ralston.
"It's a robotic life-buoy, which we can control from the shore or vessel, and has a range of about 400 metres from the point of control and can travel up to 15 kilometres an hour."
Ms Loaney said: "This rescue device will ably serve the Marine Rescue Central Coast and volunteers for years to come.
"This is a great investment in emergency-response equipment."
SOURCE:
Media release, 7 Dec 2021
Liesl Tesch, Member for Gosford