Latest Mackay Seaport News

Inflatable Rescue Boat will save lives at the beach

Mackay surf lifesavers will hit Harbour Beach for the start of the 2007 patrol season this month armed with a new weapon to keep our beaches fatality-free this summer.

The MPA today presented the Mackay Surf Lifesaving Club with an Inflatable Rescue Boat (IRB) that will be used extensively to patrol Harbour Beach and assist in water safety patrols by shadowing competitors during triathlon and outrigger events.
MPA CEOJeff Stewart-Harris, Board director Laurie Horgan and Mackay Surf Lifesaving Club president Rod Leach, christen the club’s new IRB .
Mackay Surf Lifesaving Club president Rod Leach said the IRB played an important role in protecting our local beaches.

“The IRB , or rubber ducky, is now the single most important means of rescuing people from the surf, not just in Australia but in many countries across the world,” Mr Leach said.

“We can usually expect to make at least one or two rescues at Harbour Beach each season.

“Last year our lifesavers were involved in more than 500 cases of preventative action and rendered assistance to 16 people who needed first aid treatment, ranging from fractures to marine stings.”

“We will again be focussing on preventative action to keep our beaches safe.”

MPA chief executive officer Jeff Stewart-Harris praised the efforts of more than 80 active volunteers in Mackay who “donated” their weekends to patrol the city’s popular swimming beach.

“Going to the beach is very much part of a way of life for thousands of Mackay people – we are pleased to be able to contribute by making a ‘day at the beach’ safer for the community.”

“Volunteer lifesavers risk their lives to make our beaches safe – the least we can do is swim between the flags and obey safety directions.”

Mr Stewart-Harris said Queensland lifesavers last year made 3467 lifesaving rescues with an IRB used in 549 of these missions.