History of the Coast Guard Swansea

Coast Guard Swansea is the sole Search and Rescue Coordination Centre designated by the NSW State Rescue Board for the coastal areas of the Northern Central Coast and Hunter Coast of NSW.

We monitor the busy recreational boating, sailing and fishing on Lake Macquarie and off shore over a 40 miles stretch of coastal waters. We provide safety monitoring services and coordinate search and rescue for any vessel and its occupants in the event of breakdown, accident or illness.

Many vessels with families on board anchor or travel overnight or leave before dawn to return at dusk. All these activities are prone to accident particularly with weather changes and hazardous conditions on the notorious Swansea Bar, Lake Macquarie and in coastal waters.

By serving the local community and maintaining a high profile together with public education, Coast Guard Swansea has become an integral part of the community of the Lake Macquarie area and the Newcastle coast. The boating public is continuing to rely on these services with increasing demand reflecting the confidence in Coast Guard to provide a reliable and professional service.

HISTORY

Originally beginning out of local fishing clubs, Coast Guard Swansea has now been operating for 28 years. Incorporated into the national Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association 18 years ago, Coast Guard Swansea has grown to 70 members and boasts a state-of-the-art radio base and fully equipped rescue vessels [link to gallery].

Developing from a ‘day-time’ operation of 6am-6pm into a full time 24/7 operation has at times put a strain on the membership of 70.

With the need to maintain radio operator rosters and boat crew rosters as well as raising rapidly increasing operating funds, Coast Guard Swansea needs your support more than ever. To volunteer today please visit our How to Volunteer page.