Ballina Marine Rescue volunteers were called to five search and rescue missions during August as crews across the Northern Rivers responded to 34 incidents on the water.

The Ballina unit recorded the second-highest number of missions in the region behind Point Danger, as Marine Rescue NSW reported its busiest August on record.

Across the seven Northern Rivers units, volunteers completed 34 search and rescue missions, including 22 emergency responses, and safely returned 51 people to shore.

Point Danger was the region’s busiest unit with 14 missions, followed by Ballina with five. Evans Head and Cape Byron recorded four each.

The figures come as Marine Rescue NSW prepares for another increase in boating activity during the approaching spring school holidays.

Statewide, volunteers completed a record 273 search and rescue missions during August, including 97 emergency responses, safely returning 538 people to shore.

Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Todd Andrews said the busy winter was a reminder for boaters to check their vessels and safety equipment before heading out.

“Our volunteers have experienced an exceptionally busy winter, culminating in a record August, and we are now preparing for another increase in activity as the weather warms up and families head out on the water during the spring school holidays,” Commissioner Andrews said.

More than half of all responses during August were related to engine, battery or fuel problems.

Commissioner Andrews said old fuel, tired batteries and poorly maintained engines were common reasons boaters became stranded.

“A few simple checks before you leave can make the difference between a great day on the water and a call for help,” he said.

“If the weather or conditions aren’t favourable, don’t put yourself, your family or other people on the water at risk.”

Marine Rescue is also urging boaters to Log On before heading onto the water, either through the free Marine Rescue NSW app or by radio on VHF Channel 16.

Logging On provides rescuers with details of a vessel’s trip and expected return time, allowing radio operators to raise the alarm if a boat fails to return as planned.

During August, Marine Rescue NSW radio operators managed almost 20,000 calls and kept watch over more than 23,000 people aboard Logged On vessels.

The warnings come ahead of what is traditionally a busy period on the water. During last year’s two-week spring school holiday break, Marine Rescue NSW crews performed 348 search and rescue missions and safely returned 825 people to shore.