18/06/2026
Stats update and,
Assistance from
Firstly we would like to say thankyou to Mornington Peninsula Shire for the assistance grant to help with costs associated with continued use of our base of operations within Hastings Marina.
As part of our service to the community, a home base to conduct all forms of theory training, monthly meetings for the flotilla as a whole, and its committee to manage us, and a meeting point for joint rescue agency operations, a home base is a critical piece of asset required for our flotilla to function.
Now for some stats.
Since the 1st December, our team members have been on the water 55 times. Within these 55 times,
43x we responded to non urgent assists to bring people home safely.
1x standout of these non urgent rescues is a valuable lesson learnt for the parties involved and also to the community.
A kayaker, in which a land based caller called emergency services to advise this kayaker was unable to return to shore. Upon arrival to the said kayaker, he stated he was fine and didn't require assistance. It soon became apparent over the radio comms that the teenage kayaker didn't want to go home with the rest of the families day trip when instructed.
To which his parents called 000.
Not only that, the kayaker didn't have a life jacket on.
So to all parties involved, and the community, a very valuable lesson can be learned from this particular incident.
6x occasions we responded to urgent life threatening situations.
A quick breakdown of these rescues were as follows,
1. A capsized skiff called by a land based caller as needing assistance. Arriving on scene the 2 occupants refused assistance and we left them to carry on their merry way.
2. An incapacitated POB / Captain of a yacht outside the western entrance. While R301 was on route the Captain managed to get to Flinders pier to meet waiting emergency services and we were stood down.
3 -- 4. We responded on two occasions to transport emergency services to French Island for urgent assistance to French Island residents.
5. We responded to a jet ski crash in which it had hit a pylon and sunk. The 2 POB onboard were adrift and were picked up by a passer by. A perfect outcome with a fellow boater rendering assistance when required. We continued on to meet the jet ski occupants at a boat ramp to conduct a welfare check.
6. Immediate urgent response to a person swept off rocks.
On this incident, we are unable to comment any further.
As always, if you need assistance while on the water, please call 000.
We are never far away.
We are constantly training to keep our skill set up to Coast Guard's high standards, to better serve the community.
