Safety on Brisbane Water has received a boost with Saratoga Sailing Club launching its new rigid inflatable boat (RIB) during a mock rescue exercise with Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch.
Mr Crouch took part in the demonstration as the “test rescue dummy”, jumping into the water so club volunteers could put the new vessel through its paces and showcase its rapid response capability.
“This new RIB is already making a difference for the club’s volunteers and sailors, and I was happy to put my hand up and volunteer as the club’s first rescue,” Mr Crouch said.
“This new rescue boat will make a real difference to the Club, giving volunteers the equipment they need to respond quickly if someone gets into trouble on the water.”
Secretary of the Saratoga Sailing Club, Chris Nesbitt-Hawes, said the vessel would significantly boost the club’s rescue capability.
“This 4.2 metre RIB, equipped with a thirty-horsepower outboard will enable rapid deployment to assist any boat in trouble during regattas and club racing, as well as fast recovery for distressed sailors,” Mr Nesbitt-Hawes said.
“This new RIB is a big step up from the vessels previously used, which were not fit for purpose or capable of performing serious rescues.”
The new rigid inflatable boat was funded through a $29,500 grant from the NSW Government’s Community Building Partnership program, supported by Mr Crouch.
Mr Crouch said the program helps local community organisations deliver projects that strengthen their facilities and support volunteers.
“Our local sailing clubs are run by passionate volunteers who put in countless hours to create opportunities for people to get out on the water,” Mr Crouch said.
“I encourage local community groups to start thinking about their own projects and get their applications ready for the next round of Community Building Partnership funding.”