Marine Rescue NSW Botany Port Hacking conducts search and rescue exercise

Marine Rescue NSW is conducting a realistic search and rescue exercise with nine Rescue Water Craft (jet skis) and two search and rescue boats.

The training will take place around Hungry Point from 11am to 4pm on Saturday and from 10am to 1pm on Sunday off Jibbon Beach or Simpsons Bay, depending on conditions.

MRNSW Commissioner Stacey Tannos says the skills development will help operators, skippers and crews prepare for the peak boating season, which starts on the October long weekend.

"Training such as this helps ensure that our volunteers can safely and efficiently carry out their core mission of saving lives on the water," Commissioner Tannos said.

"We use Rescue Water Craft in many areas along the coastline. They are particularly valuable in responding to emergencies on notoriously hazardous coastal bars.

"They are quick to launch, swift and agile enough to get into shallow waters our rescue vessels can't.

"Port Hacking was chosen for this training weekend because it's a convenient and central meeting point for volunteers coming from our northern and southern units and offers a mix of river and sea training locations and conditions."

Commissioner Tannos says residents and visitors should not be concerned if they see rescue boats responding at speed and seemingly unconscious or conscious 'victims' being pulled from the water.

"While this may appear concerning, it is all part of staging realistic training exercises so our crews have the chance to practice their emergency response procedures. We thank residents and local boaters for their understanding," she said.

"These outstanding men and women give up their time to serve the community. They train hard to ensure they are ready to respond to life threatening emergencies on the state's waterways."

The weekend training will include volunteers from Botany Port Hacking, Central Coast, Lake Macquarie, Narooma, Point Danger, Port Macquarie and Tuross.