Surf Rescue 30

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Surf Rescue 30

This is the present location of the Surf Rescue 30 base. This vessel was powered a single V8 "chevy" engine connected to a Hamilton three stage jet unit.

Surf Rescue 30 (Randwick District Offshore Rescue Boat) is a surf lifesaving rescue group, crewed by surf lifesavers which has been in operation since 1969
For more information or membership inquires please contact Doug Lucas ORB Coordinator The Randwick District Offshore Rescue Boat (callsign Surf Rescue 30), traces its origins quite literally back to the "summer of 69" when a group of visionary

volunteer surf lifesavers recognised the need for a specialist craft to operate beyond the traditional patrolled beaches of Malabar, South Maroubra, Maroubra, Coogee and Clovelly and utilize the teachings and philosophies of surf lifesaving to save lives. A plan was hatched by these "trailblazing" lifesavers and a support base built at Malabar on Sydney’s eastern beaches (interestingly the construction of the current base was assisted by prisoners from Sydney’s Long Bay Correctional Centre). Malabar is an ideal location not only because of its central position but being a deep and protected ocean bay it affords Surf Rescue 30 direct access into the Pacific Ocean
The original craft chosen was a jet rescue boat or “JRB” as they became colloquially known. The key advantage of this set up was that the rescue craft could access the surf break to assist patients. With an overall length of approximately 6 metres, the craft offered speed and maneuverability in the surf with the craft having a search and rescue duration of up to 6 hours. Operational areas with shallow waters or beach breaks is where a jet system is unmatched – in fact the craft once on the plane could operate quite comfortably in a in water depth of only 10cms allowing it to easily traverse over sandbanks during rescue operations. The Randwick District, comprising the four surf life saving clubs being; South Maroubra, Maroubra, Coogee and Clovelly operated three such jet rescue boats between 1969 and 1994. The first two were known a "Smiths" and the third was a Mutimer jet boat and they served Sydney Branch Surf Life Saving and the Randwick Communities well on the beaches during this period. In fact, jets boats still perform valuable rescue work in areas where there are lengthy coastlines and shallow and treacherous bar crossings. The absence of underwater appendages inherent with water jets allows these boats to operate close to shore and in shallow waters. In 1994, with the increasing use of Inflatable Rescue Boats (or "Rubber Duckies" as they are affectionately known), there became less of a need for a specialised jet boats for patrol work in a white water aquatic environment. This did not mean there was not a need for a specialist volunteer rescue craft. Rather the craft needed to be "fit for purpose" and the days of jet boats were clearly numbered in Randwick. So what craft was assessed as “fit for purpose”? The Randwick Coastline is in fact a treacherous but spectacular rocky and cliff coastline punctuated by a series of smaller beaches. What was called for was a stable craft to provide beyond the break assistance for the traditional beach lifesavers and lifeguards and access to the deep coastal bays and remote rocky cliffs. Key for this task was reliability, stability and safety and so began the transformation with the use of twin hull vessels know as “Cats”. These craft are fast, fuel efficient and offer maximum space with close to the maximum beam running from bow to stern. The craft operate beyond the break but are small and nimble enough to get close to the coastline when required. In 1992, the Randwick District purchased its first Offshore Rescue Craft cat, a 6.5 metre Noosa Cat which we operated until retiring it out of service in 2002. This craft was succeeded by the “City of Randwick II” a second generation Noosa Cat custom designed for surf lifesaving operations and which remained in service until 2010. Our current craft is a 6.5 metre state of the art KevlaCat specifically customised to suit surf lifesaving rescue requirements. The craft is powered by twin 150 horsepower Yamaha 4-stoke motor and is "state of the art" in terms of design and construction. It carries a variety of paramedical equipment including an oxy viva; defibrillator; soft pack first aid kit; stokes litter; spinal stretcher and collars; rescue tubes; basic tow rig; Penthrane; and basic dive equipment supported by trained volunteer Lifesavers. It carries enough fuel to permit at least a 10 hour tasking and operates with a trained crew of three. Since our inception in 1969, the Group has been tasked to well in excess of 1000 missions. Our motto is "safer beaches, safer coastline, safer lives"

26/05/2026

Surf Rescue 30 – Season 25/26 Awards Announcement�
It gives me great pleasure to announce the winners of the Surf Rescue 30 Season 2025 / 26 Awards, recognising outstanding effort, dedication, and community service to the Offshore Rescue Boat (ORB) Randwick Group

This season’s pinnacle award, the ORB Member of the Year and Ken Blakie Award, has been awarded to Brad Taylor ESM.

Brad, a Life Member of Garie Surf Life Saving Club, has been a valued member of the group since 2000 and has performed virtually every role within the operation including crew, driver, and skipper. Over many years Brad has often single-handedly ensured the boat remained operational, regularly stepping in at the last minute to make sure patrols could proceed.

In recent seasons Brad has also volunteered with Marine Rescue Botany, bringing fresh ideas, operational knowledge, and valuable learning outcomes back into Surf Life Saving. His contribution has strengthened the group’s capabilities and enhanced multi-agency cooperation and operational readiness.

This is the second time Brad has received the award, and it could not go to a more deserving member as he celebrates his 50th year of service in Surf Life Saving and as a proud member of Surf Life Saving New South Wales.

The Captain’s Award has been awarded to Richard Higgins from Coogee Surf Life Saving Club.
Richard is a true gentleman of the group — quiet, humble, and always willing to lend a hand. During the season he successfully completed his Coxswain commercial qualification, adding to an already impressive maritime background that includes extensive competition sailing experience and participation in numerous Sydney to Hobart yacht races.

Behind the scenes, Richard has also quietly undertaken gelcoat repairs following a number of minor trailer incidents involving the boat. These sorts of contributions are often unseen but are critically important in keeping operating costs down and ensuring the service remains on the water.

Members like Richard and Brad along with each of our fabulous volunteers help keep the dream alive through their generosity, professionalism, and commitment to the team.

On behalf of the entire Surf Rescue 30 group, congratulations to both Brad and Richard on their well-deserved recognition, and thank you for your ongoing dedication to Surf Life Saving and our community.

Doug Lucas�ORB Coordinator�Surf Rescue 30

04/05/2026

Condolences to the entire Ballina community and all the volunteers in MRNSW today after tragedy incident on Ballina Bar. 4/5/26.

20/04/2026

Congratulations to the following amazing Surf Rescue 30 members for their ongoing contributions to SR30 (SLSNSW Rescue Service)

The following members have received service certificates as members of the boat after the completion of season 25/26.

ORB Coorodnator Doug Lucas said “We have some amazing volunteers within our community of ‘Surf’ and sincere thanks to these lifesavers for their continued dedication.”

- Clive Stiff – 10 Year SR 30
- John Georgas – 10 Year SR 30
- Rachelle McCarthy – 10 Year SR30
- Michelle Cielesh – 5 Year SR 30
- Scott A Parker – 5 Year SR 30

Dylan Parker - Mayor of Randwick
Randwick City Council
Surf Life Saving Sydney

04/04/2026

08/03/2026

Celebrating International Women’s Day💥

On Sunday 8/3/26 Randwick Councillor Bill Burst joined the All Women’s SR30 crew thanking them for their community contributions 🙏

The crew then headed to join Bondi SLSC fo their annual Ponk patrol.

Thanks to Bill and Randwick council for your continued support of vessel operations.

Surf Life Saving NSW
Randwick City Council
Surf Life Saving Sydney

08/02/2026

A wet Sunday saw SR30 support North Bondi SLSC. Such events are vital to club fundraising but also a great way for our community to enjoy our wonderful beaches and waterway. Well done to all competitors.

Randwick City Council
Surf Life Saving NSW
Surf Life Saving Sydney

07/02/2026

What a cracking morning on our Waters! Crystal clear with fish jumping all around.

The boat conducted a short tow of a 5m cuddy cabin with 3 POB off Cape Solander before handing the tow to MR Botany Port Hacking 32

The boat then attended a search for a shark within Little Bay with it being a small little Infant Bronze whaler. 🦈

Then down to Wanda SLSC for the SYD Branch Open and Masters championship before a sweep of Randwick clubs.

Stay safe and have a great weekend.

Marine Area Command - NSW Police Force
Surf Life Saving NSW
Randwick City Council
Surf Life Saving Sydney

01/02/2026

This weekend saw a busy Saturday with the boat attending Deer Park u11 SYD branch development camp followed by attending the Branch Championships at South Maroubra. After providing water safety at the championships we welcomed 2 x Japanese exchange Lifeguards hosted by SLSA giving them a tour of operations.

On Sunday afternoon the boat was on standby with a strong 25kt southerly when a swimmer went missing off South Maroubra beach.

As conditions worsened with a southerly storm and only a 0.2m tide (making launching at malabar almost impossible without damage to the vessel) a difficult risk assessment was made not to attend and join the search.

External agencies lead by Marine Area Command - NSW Police Force will continue the search with other suitable SLS assets. Thoughts are with the family.

17/01/2026

It’s wet and wild out there today with 4m plus seas and strong winds so not the day for boating adventures.

SR30 today welcomed a large group of cadets from Camden Haven SLSC on the mid north coast. Thanks for the visit.

Surf Life Saving NSW
Randwick City Council
Camden Haven SLSC
Surf Life Saving Mid North Coast Branch

13/12/2025

It’s been a big 6 weeks of training for new crew and in some cases several seasons for our new drivers cumulating with multiple assessments today at Malabar beach

Congratulations to the following new members of Surf Rescue 30 Offshore Rescue boat.

CREWS
Phillipa Stanley – South Maroubra
Angelo Koukos – South Maroubra
Chiara Palazzo – Coogee
Madhav Raman – Coogee
Luana Ellis – Bondi
Dan Rosado – Bondi
Chris Dobson – Clovelly
Will Shaddock – North Cronulla

DRIVERS
Noel Whitaker – Maroubra
Peter Crabbe – Maroubra
Elena Cormack – Bondi
Dom Cormack – Bondi
Nick Tyler – Garie
Terry Stokes - Garie

These new members will greatly bolster vessel operations during the busy holiday period. Well done to each and every one of you. Thanks for all you do as volunteers for your community

Doug Lucas
ORB coordinator.

Randwick City Council
Surf Life Saving NSW
Surf Life Saving Sydney

Address

1 Fishermans Road
Malabar, NSW
2036

Website

https://sls.sydney/rescue-services/sr30/

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