Marine Rescue Kioloa

05/05/2026

Last night was the darkest night ever experienced by Marine Rescue NSW.

Marine Rescue NSW volunteers answer the call for help 24/7 and last night six members from Marine Rescue Ballina did just that. They launched with a single mission, to save lives on the water and assist a yacht, reported to be in difficulty off the South Ballina break wall.

Tragically, two of our volunteers lost their lives during the response.

Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Todd Andrews said the devastating loss is a solemn reminder of the risks faced by volunteers who serve their communities.

“These two men were serving their local community and have made the ultimate sacrifice to help others.

“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of the deceased, their fellow crew members, the brave radio operators who handled the difficult communications during the incident, the entire Marine Rescue NSW family and the wider Ballina community during this incredibly difficult time.

“We are supporting our volunteers and their families through professional counselling and chaplaincy support.

“We ask that the privacy of those involved and their families be respected during this difficult time,” Commissioner Andrews said.

24/04/2026

24/04/2026

A reminder of our ANZAC Day dawn service, tomorrow morning. Service starts at 5.30am from the Australian War Memorial.

26/03/2026

“Don’t risk it”: Marine Rescue NSW issues urgent boating warning



Boaters are being warned to avoid hitting the water over the next few days, with massive seas set to lash the east coast of NSW.

The coastal waters forecast from Point Danger south to Eden is hazardous, with giant swell and strong winds expected to develop from Friday.

Marine Rescue NSW Acting Deputy Commissioner Dan Duemmer said a southerly swell is forecast over the coming days, ranging between 4 and 6 metres along the Byron and Coffs coasts, increasing to 4 to 7 metres on the Macquarie Coast. Swell of up to 8 metres is forecast for the Hunter, Sydney, Illawarra and Batemans coasts, while the Eden Coast is expecting swell of 4 to 6 metres.

“It is going to be incredibly dangerous on the ocean. Please heed the warnings and don’t endanger yourself or others by hitting the water. No recreational trip is worth risking your life.

Acting Deputy Commissioner Duemmer is also urging rock fishers to avoid going fishing over the coming days.

“We have seen far too many rock fishers lose their lives recently. Rock fishing is a high-risk coastal activity even in favourable weather; with the forecast conditions over the next few days, it is an absolute no-go.

In emergencies, boaters should contact Marine Rescue NSW on VHF Channel 16 or call Triple Zero (000).

08/02/2026

Liza, thank you for the kind words...