Marine Rescue Ballina volunteers have helped contribute to the busiest July on record for the Northern Rivers, as ideal winter boating conditions kept rescue crews busy across the region.

Marine Rescue NSW volunteers responded to 35 search and rescue missions across the Northern Rivers during July, the highest July total ever recorded for the region. The missions included 20 emergency responses, with 82 people safely returned to shore.

The Northern Rivers region includes the Marine Rescue units at Point Danger, Brunswick, Cape Byron, Ballina, Evans Head, Iluka Yamba and Wooli.

While Point Danger was the busiest unit with 19 rescue missions, Evans Head crews completed six and Cape Byron three. Ballina volunteers also responded to incidents during the busy month as demand remained high across the region.

Statewide, Marine Rescue NSW volunteers carried out 253 search and rescue missions in July, making it the organisation’s second busiest July on record. More than 500 people were brought safely back to shore.

Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Todd Andrews said the strong winter weather had encouraged more people to get out on the water.

“Despite it being the middle of winter, favourable weather conditions saw plenty of boaters making the most of our waterways, resulting in a significant demand for our volunteers,” he said.

Mechanical failures remained the biggest cause of rescue call-outs, with engine, battery and fuel-related issues accounting for 57 per cent of all missions.

Commissioner Andrews urged boat owners to carry out regular maintenance, ensure they had enough fuel for their trip and use Marine Rescue NSW’s free Log On service before heading onto the water.

He also reminded boaters to plan around shorter winter daylight hours and ensure lifejackets were worn correctly.

Main image: Marine Rescue Point Danger Brunswick and Cape Byron worked together to assist a disabled vessel in mid-July.