Three young paddleboarders were swept approximately 800 metres from shore by strong winds on St Georges Basin at Sanctuary Point this afternoon before Marine Rescue Sussex Inlet volunteers located them walking back towards the shoreline.
A member of the public raised the alarm with NSW Police Marine Area Command after seeing three people struggling in the water off Loralyn Avenue.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Stuart Massey said Marine Rescue Sussex Inlet was tasked to assist, with rescue watercraft (jet skis) Sussex Inlet 10 and Sussex Inlet 11 deployed.
“After a short search around the area of the last reported sighting, our two rescue watercraft operators located the girls walking in shallow water towards shore,” Inspector Massey said.
The volunteers checked the welfare of the three girls, aged 12 and 13, before remaining with them at the Island Point Road boat ramp until a parent arrived.
Inspector Massey said the incident was a timely reminder of how quickly conditions can change for people using non-powered watercraft.
“They were lucky this had a positive outcome,” he said.
“Whether it’s a canoe, stand-up paddleboard or boogie board, the wind can pick up and people can quickly find themselves pushed away from the shoreline.
“Once they are away from the water’s edge and unable to make their way back, that can become a life-threatening situation very quickly.”
With 1 Octtober marking the start of the boating season, school holidays underway and the long weekend approaching, Inspector Massey urged people heading onto the water to check the conditions before setting out, continue monitoring them and always wear a lifejacket.
“If conditions start to change, head back in, because the last thing you want is to find yourself in a situation where you are unable to get back,” he said.
Inspector Massey also urged anyone caught out by strengthening winds to remain calm and, wherever possible, carry a means of communication.
“Remain calm. That’s always a really important part of this,” he said.
“If you have something with you to communicate, whether it’s a phone or another device, take it with you and keep it protected from the water.
“Things can change really quickly and having a form of communication can save someone’s life.”
Inspector Massey commended the member of the public who raised the initial alarm.
“If people see something on the water that doesn’t quite look right, please call the nearest Marine Rescue NSW base or Triple Zero (000),” he said.
“Those actions may very well result in someone’s life being saved.”
Marine Rescue NSW is a volunteer‑based, not‑for‑profit professional organisation dedicated to keeping boaters safe across the state. Our 3,400 trained volunteers support communities through search and rescue operations, marine radio monitoring and boating safety education.
