New $480,000 Water Police boat to help save lives
Play it safe in WA as 56 lives saved but 11 lost from 26 emergency marine rescue ops in 2016Here's the new $480,000 Water Police patrol boat launched by the WA Police to help with the expected increase in marine-related incidents and accidents on Western Australia water ways this summer.
The 10.5 metre RIB would be patrolling river and ocean areas as part of WA's Water Police operations and commitment to on-water safety.
WA MARINE RESCUES BY NUMBERS
Water Police, who are responsible for the co-ordination of marine search and rescue operations across the State, have saved 56 lives so far in 2016. Sadly, 11 people have died or remain missing at sea on WA waters.
From January-October 2016, WA Water Police responded to 243 vessels adrift, 24 maydays, 87 EPIRB alarms, 1118 vessel assists and 388 overdue vessels.
The boating and fishing public is urged to plan and stay safe as they take to the water for the busy high season.
THREE NEW POLICE BOATS IN FOUR YEARS
"West Australians have a love affair with the water and to improve safety on our river and oceans, the State Government has equipped Water Police with three new boats worth nearly $4 million since 2013," Deputy Premier and Police Minister, Liza Harvey, said.
The Deputy Premier said it was a timely reminder for people planning to take to the water this summer to go over all their safety equipment, make sure it was in working order and adequately plan their boating experience.
"Water Police are well equipped should an emergency occur on waterways, however, with suitable planning and the right safety equipment on board, a lot of time, money and worry can be avoided," she said.
"West Australians are encouraged to enjoy their summer on the water, and the Government has provided Water Police with the resources they need to keep the community safe," Ms Harvey said.
Water Police respond to emergencies including co-ordinating the involvement of other WA Government agencies that have their own vessels, such as the Department of Transport, Department of Fisheries, and the Rottnest Island Authority, plus more than 35 Department of Fire and Emergency Services Volunteer Marine Rescue Services groups, and Surf Life Saving WA.
There are about 1600 volunteers attached to WA's Volunteer Marine Rescue Services groups, providing Water Police with 57 deployable vessels across the State.
More at WA Water Police.
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