CORAL Sea Marina has committed to another three years as the platinum sponsor of Volunteer Marine Rescue (VMR) Whitsunday.
With domestic boat sales at record levels, and plenty of new vessel owners exploring the Whitsundays and Great Barrier Reef for the first time, the community’s need for marine rescue services is at an all-time high.
With both the VMR vessels conveniently berthed at Coral Sea Marina, the team of volunteers are able to activate both quickly and efficiently when the call for help is received.
The team of more than 50 dedicated and experienced volunteers provide assistance seven days a week, 24 hours a day, to the Whitsunday boating community.
VMR Whitsunday responds to a range of calls for assistance such as search and rescue, medical evacuations and tow assists.
They also regularly assist all the emergency services in on-water situations and provide additional support for emergency services in the island communities.
VMR Whitsunday has seen a steady rise in the number of activations over the last few years and, last year, marked the highest number on record for the organisation, with a total of 173 assistance requests including a significant 116 per cent increase in vessel breakdowns from the previous year.
Head of marketing and business development at Coral Sea Marina Joscelyn O’Keefe said the sponsorship agreement with the VMR was vital to the boating community.
“The work done by this incredible group of volunteers is vital. Their dedicated service ensures that the boating community can explore the Whitsunday waterways safely and with peace of mind,” she said.
“As the largest marina in the region, we are committed to supporting safe boating practices and encouraging both recreational and commercial boat owners to be prepared for the unexpected when they are at sea.”
VMR Whitsunday president Paul Martin said the sponsor renewal gave the VMR team peace of mind.
“The support means the absolute world to us here, to have such a strong supporter in Paul Darrouzet and his team,” he said.
“Knowing our operations can continue as they have done from our home here at the marina for another three years gives us real peace of mind.”
