Eleven young Indigenous boys and girls recently took part in a three-day Youth Safe Boating program to gain their recreational boat licence at Marine Rescue Sussex Inlet.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Stuart Massey, Sergeant Russell Agland from NSW Water Police and Detective Sergeant Paul Reynolds from Australian Federal Police spent the past few months developing the program and over November 7-9, the trio along with the assistance of Marine Rescue NSW volunteers, NSW Water Police and AFP officers, delivered it for the first time in the Shoalhaven.
“When the idea was first floated we launched straight into it. Having the three agencies come together for community engagement in the Shoalhaven has been excellent,” Inspector Massey said.
The program delivered theoretical and practical boating skills for participants with the goal of obtaining a boat licence.
“Now we have completed this program, I’m sure the youths gaining their boat licence will be able to enjoy their boating safely for many years to come,” said NSW Water Police Sergeant Russell Agland.
Detective Sergeant Paul Reynolds from the Australian Federal Police said the program delivery was seamless.
“The practical component of these courses is vital to learn safe boating skills. We had a variety of vessels from AFP, NSW Water Police and Marine Rescue NSW to teach the youngsters on.”
Marine Rescue NSW Sussex Inlet Unit Commander Brett Eurell headed the team of volunteers to put the kids through their paces.
“Our dedicated team of volunteers at Marine Rescue Sussex Inlet stepped up to the plate once again to engage the community with this program. Our volunteers delivered the boat licence course as well as supported the NSW Water Police and AFP with on water instruction to provide the participants with a cross section of handling and navigation skills.” Unit Commander Eurell said.
On the final day of the course the participants were greeted by Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell, Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips and State Member for the South Coast Liza Butler who wished the youths luck ahead of their final assessment.
The Youth Safe Boating Program was a tremendous success with all participants gaining their boat licence.
